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Ball Control Drills Heading 1 Heading 2 Chest 1 Chest 2 Trap & Shoot

BALL CONTROL (RECEIVING) TECHNICAL SKILL
(In this area - you will find activities for ball control in random sequence.)

Ball Control is the ability to manipulate the ball and prepare it for your next touch, whether it be shot, pass or dribble. It is one of the most essential skills needed for a soccer player. If you were to ask soccer fans around the world what makes a player great you will hear words like first touch, control, and other words describing ball control. The question we all ask as coaches is "HOW can we make our players improve their first touch?" The answer is easy - our players must build a relationship with the ball and this is done through countless hours of repetition and training.

How to "control the ball"
Ball control has two main categories, receiving and trapping. Receiving means redirecting the ball into space, so you can shoot or dribble without being stationary. On the other hand, trapping is basically stopping the ball right at your feet.

Receiving
Receiving the ball is when you are in the run of play and do not want to stop the ball. You want to keep the ball moving in the direction you are going. Therefore, you redirect the ball with your first touch. Good soccer players can redirect the ball away from pressure to help create time and space for themselves.

Trapping
Trapping is typically used when the ball is going too fast to redirect with a first touch. The player must be relaxed in this situation. If a player is too tense and stiff then the ball will hit a wall and bounce off the player. Rather a player should try keeping their hips open in the direction from where the ball is coming. Players should then enter into the path of the ball and cushion it with a simple withdrawl of the foot in the opposite direction the ball is coming from.

How to practice control
The easiest way to practice control is with a partner. The partner serves you a ball, either with hands or foot, whichever way can get you a consistent number of repetitions. This activity is used all around the world and is very simple. After controlling the ball with one clean touch you then pass it back to your partner.

For a "back yard" or "school yard" game (or front yard) Find a wall. This gives you a partner at all times to work on your skills. Simply stand at about 3 to 5 yards away from the wall and kick or throw the ball against it. Then receive the ball and repeat. This exercise gives you the chance to work on both your kicking and control. As you develop a comfort with the ball, start applying both feet, try lofting the ball and incorporate speed by running to meet the ball.

Different methods of control
Inside and Outside of the foot
This is technique is used to control the ball cleanly and quickly on the ground.
Player must look up to assses the game situation BEFORE the ball arrives
Player must select the type of control to use
Move into the path of the ball and meet it early
Player should gently cushion the ball into the direction of the original path
Player should try to receive the ball across the body when possible to see the field
If pressure is on, the player may need to turn away immediately with first touch
A player can receive the ball with the outside of the foot to protect the ball
Players should look to take preperation touch towards the next desired direction
A few common errors:
Player being stiff when the ball arrives
Poor preparation touch
Not assessing the game situation ahead of time
Failing to execute next decision after controlling the ball
Instep
This technique is useful when the ball is falling from the air at an angle.
Players must meet the ball, stay on thier toes and lock your eyes on it.
Quickly adjust to its trajectory of the ball
Before the ball arrives, present the ankle of your controlling foot.
Try to cushion the ball using the area around your shoe laces.
Point of contact, withdraw your controlling foot by bending the knee and ankle.
Look to settle the ball right front of you.
A few common errors:
Player being stiff when the ball arrives
Poor preparation touch
Not assessing the game situation ahead of time
Failing to execute next decision after controlling the ball

Thigh
The thigh is especially useful in football when you want to trap the ball. Redirecting it into space is somewhat harder when you're using the thigh. Cushioning the ball with the thigh can be done for both rising and dropping balls. Make sure you position yourself properly, before you try to trap the ball. Once you have aligned yourself well, put your thigh in the path of the ball and angle it so that it's redirected downward. If you don't retract, the ball will just bounce off of you. The contact surface you should use is the area above the knee, about halfway on your thigh. The inside of your thigh is good for stopping balls that are flying straight at you.


Chest
The chest provides the largest surface area for trapping or receiving the ball.
When using it for control, stretch out your arms and flex your muscles. To cushion the ball, you'll need to arch your back slightly. You may also have to bend your knees or jump in order to align your chest with the height of the ball.


Head
Set up your body just as if you're about to head the ball. Instead of heading it, simply intercept its path using the surface area on your forehead, just below the hairline. Just before making contact, turn your head in whatever direction you want the ball to go (receiving).
If you just want to bring the ball to your feet (trapping) do not turn your head, instead bend your knees and lean forward with you upper body.