Controlling with the Feet
Organisation
- Grid 10 x 10m
- Players pass the ball to each other
- Control with inside and pass inside of same foot
- Control with inside and pass with inside of opposite foot
- Control with outside and pass with inside of same foot.
Use this drill for Ariel control
Players serve the ball alternately with their hands
- Wedge control
- Control with laces (Top of foot)
- Control with thigh
- Control with Chest
- Control with Head.
Key Factors
- Attitude
- Get into line
- Select correct surface to use early
- Control ball to the side and in front
- End product
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Progression 1
Organisation
- Grid 10 x 20m
- Four players
- Player in middle passes ball to end and becomes passive defender
- Player touches ball to side
- Player 1 passes the ball to player 2 and runs in a s a passive defender
- Player 2 controls the ball to the side and plays it to player 3 at the other end.
- End product (pass).
- Alternate sides, e.g. 4 throws to 3.
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Progression 2
Organisation
- Grid 10 x 10m
- Four players
- Players stand on their own line around a square
- Practice control and disguise.
Key Points
- Go backwards if pass is too hard to cushion the ball without crossing across the line
- Direction of control to create space.
Progressions
One, then two defenders and open the grid out. |
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On the Ground
Key Points
Ready to Receive
| Body language and communication play an important roll in telling the player on the ball that you want to receive the pass. Face the player on the ball and communicate for the ball loud and clearly. As the player prepares for the incoming ball make sure their body is relaxed, the head is still and they are on the tips of their toes. The player should have an open 'body position' facing the ball and not be half turned. Remember it is not easy to move backwards when controlling the ball. |
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Get into Line
The player must keep a close eye on the ball as it comes towards them. Their arms should be out for balance. As they prepare for the incoming ball make sure the player's body is relaxed, their head is still and they are on the tips of their toes. If the head moves out of line, it is difficult to bring the controlling surface into line. It is rarely possible to watch the ball all the way to the actual moment of contact. Therefore, when practicing, even without opposition, players should learn not to fix their eyes on the ball throughout its flight; they should look away to check on the position of their opponents and to look for any forward passing opportunity. Judgement comes from experience and awareness of where team mates are, of where opponents are, and of what is possible. Keep looking around, before you get the ball, so you already know where players are when it arrives.
Once this is done, the most important thing is to keep the head steady and to move the controlling surface into the line of flight, and to concentrate on making a good contact with the ball.
Decision
Decide early what part of the foot you are going to use to control the ball. Early decisions give time: time to become composed and time to concentrate on technical performance. Move the controlling surface into the line of flight.
First Touch
A good first touch should guide the ball into space so the player can, protect the ball from any challenging player and be able to pass or shoot the ball without readjusting their body and losing valuable time. When the ball is coming towards the player they should automatically be thinking of the next move and be preparing for it so they can guide the ball to the place they need to leave the ball. The player should be relaxed and the head should be still because if a player becomes tense, their movements become jerky rather than smooth and flowing.
Good ball control does not mean killing the ball dead beneath the foot. This is poor technique, as it requires another, 'setting up' touch or it requires the player to move backwards before the ball can be played positively, wasting a precious second or two. Make sure your first touch nudges the ball slightly ahead of you, so you can pass, shoot or move away.
Failure to bring the ball under control with the first touch will certainly mean the loss of a little time. If there is an opponent challenging the ball may also be lost in a quick tackle. Remember that a good first touch keeps the ball moving, so use the inside, outside or instep of your foot rather than the sole. Try to slow the ball down and position it in one smooth movement.
Techniques
Cushioning
Taking the speed out of the ball just as a cushion would if it was attached to your foot. It slows the ball down without making it bounce away. As the ball travels towards you, position your foot in line with it to receive it. On making contact, relax your foot and let it travel back with the ball. The speed of the ball is absorbed. It slows down and you can play it away.
The Wedge Control
In this type of control the ball is normally wedged between the controlling surface and the ground, as happens when the sole of the foot is used.
Using the Inside of your Foot
| Watch the ball as it approaches and place your foot in line with it. Balance on one leg with your receiving foot turned out. As you receive the ball with the inside of your foot, relax your leg and foot so that they travel back with it. The ball should drop just in front of your feet. Keep the ball moving. |
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Using the Outside of your Foot
If you are going to use the outside of your foot, decide to do so early and turn so your side faces the ball. Knees flexed with low centre of gravity. Lift your leg to receive the ball with the outside of your foot. Relax your foot back and down to the ground. Extend receiving foot down and rotate inward. Push the ball to the outside with the same foot or across your body with either foot. |
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Using your Instep
- Move into line, square shoulders with flight of ball
- Raise feet 12-18 inches off the floor
- Imagine that your shoe is a baseball glove and that you are going to catch the ball on the instep of your foot
- To control the ball with your instep, make sure you are facing the ball with your arms out for balance
- Lift your foot, but keep it flat. If you point your toes up the ball will probably bounce off them
- Head steady watch the ball
- Just as you receive the ball, lower your foot to the ground, letting the ball drop off it in front of you.
- Drop the ball within range of control, protect from nearby opponents.
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Arial Control
Using your Thigh
The instep is not always your best choice for receiving a lofted ball. For example, the angle at which the ball is dropping or the presence of nearby opponents sometimes makes it impossible to use the instep technique.
- Watch the ball carefully so that you can judge where it will land
- Bend your knee to meet the ball, using your arms for balance
- Raise your receiving leg so that your thigh is parallel with the ground
- Receive the ball on the mid thigh area and withdraw your leg downward at the instant the ball arrives
- On making contact straighten your leg gradually so that the ball drops off your thigh in front of your feet
- If you cushion the ball properly it shouldn't sting your leg
- Be mentally relaxed. If a player becomes tense, his movements become jerky rather than smooth and flowing
- Keep the head steady
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Using your Foot
- Keep your arms out for balance
- Lift your leg to meet the ball
- Catch it with the inside of your foot
- Without hooking your foot completely under the ball, drop it down to the ground, dragging the ball down with it
Using your Chest
Your chest is good for cushioning because it is bigger that any other part of your body. Keep your hands open, because clenching your fist makes your chest muscles tighten and they need to relax. Keep your arms out of the way, too, to avoid handling the ball.
- Put your arms back and open your chest as the ball arrives
- Arch your upper body slightly backward from the vertical and receive the ball on the central area of your chest
- As the ball makes contact with you cushion it by letting yourself relax
- Bring your shoulders in and hollow your chest, so that the ball rolls off you
- The lower chest can be used as a wedge to force the ball down toward the ground. The wedge is characterised by a rigid controlling surface
- The ball drops to the ground gently and you are able to play your next move
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Control Heading
- Use a control header to cushion the ball if you want to play the next move yourself instead of passing
- Don't lean quite as far back as the ball approaches.
- Stay relaxed and provide a cushion for the ball
- Hold your position as you receive the ball. Bend your knees and lean back slightly further
- Angle your head back, focus on the ball and receive the ball on the flat surface of your forehead
- Push the ball forward gently, so that it drops and lands not far from your feet
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If you need to Jump
Use a two footed takeoff to jump. Leave the ground early so as to contact the ball at the highest point of your jump. If you've properly timed your jump, you will start descending to the ground the instance the ball contacts your forehead. The downward motion of your body will soften the impact of the ball.
Ball Control Checklist
The Coaching Certificate |
