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SoccerExpresssion >
Training Tips
> Ball Control |
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Receiving |
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When you're running to a particular spot, it is better to
redirect the ball in your path rather than tapping it to a complete stop.
When settling the ball, try to make contact with the middle or top part of
the ball. Tap it lightly in the direction that you want to go. Good
footballers can always settle the ball into open space, even when under
pressure. This gives them extra time and keeps them one step ahead of the
opposition. |
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Trapping |
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Trapping is typically used when the ball is going too fast to
redirect at first touch. Try keeping your hips open in the direction from
where the ball is coming. Put the receiving part of your body in the path of
the ball. Relax the muscles of that body part, and cushion the ball. When
cushioning, gently withdraw the body part in the opposite direction from
where the ball is coming. |
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| How to
practice control |
The easiest way to practice control is with another player.
He throws you the ball with his hands (or kicks it to you by foot). After
settling it (hopefully with just a single, clean touch), you pass it back to
him.
Even if you lack a partner, you can easily practice control against the
wall. Simply stand at about 2-3 meters (10 feet) away from the wall and
knock the ball against it. You then trap it as it rebounds. This exercise
gives you the chance to work on both your kicking and controlling technique.
As you get comfortable, start applying both feet, try lofting the ball and
incorporate movement by running to meet the oncoming ball. |
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Different methods of control |
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Inside of the foot |
Your supporting foot must be planted 45-90 degrees to the
path of the ball. Rest all of your weight on it and intercept the ball with
the arch of your free foot. At the time of contact, cushion the ball by
moving your foot along the ball's original path.
Instead of trapping the ball you may wish to redirect it. To do so, simply
turn your receiving foot in the desired direction. |
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Outside of the foot |
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This technique is useful when the ball is rolling in front of
you from one side to the other. Rather than turning your body into its path,
you can control it using the outside of the foot. Simply reach forward into
the ball's path and intercept it with the area just above your pinky toe.
That should settle it nicely considering that the outside of your foot
provides a lot of contact surface. |
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Sole of the foot |
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Simply put your foot on the ball with your toes raised
slightly above your heel. Because of the modern game's speed, trapping with
the sole of the foot is rarely applied to control passes. It is however
useful in dribbling. Some players use it to stop right before changing
direction or incorporate it in more elaborate combos. |
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| Instep |
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This technique is useful when the ball is falling from a
steep angle. Don't just wait for the ball to arrive, stay on your toes and
lock your eyes on it. Quickly adjust to its trajectory so that you don't
have to reach out too far. Before the ball arrives, stretch the ankle of
your controlling foot. Try to cushion the ball using the area around your
shoelaces. At the moment of contact, withdraw your controlling foot by
bending the knee and ankle. This should settle the ball right in front of
you. |
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Thigh |
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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. |
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Chest |
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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. |
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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. |
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