Ball control is one of the most important skills you can learn in football. It helps you stop the ball, keep it close, and make better passes or shots. Good ball control will make you a more confident player, whether you’re receiving a pass, dribbling, or getting ready to shoot.
What is ball control?
Ball control means being able to stop the ball when it comes to you and keep it under control. This lets you move the ball around, pass it to teammates, or take a shot without losing possession.
Why is ball control important?
Good ball control helps you keep the ball close and make smart decisions on the field. If you control the ball well, you won’t have to chase it, and you’ll be ready to make your next move quickly.
How to improve ball control
1. Trapping the ball
When the ball comes to you, you need to stop it from bouncing away. Trapping is when you use your foot or body to stop the ball and bring it under control.
Drill:
- Have a friend pass the ball gently to you.
- Use the inside of your foot to stop the ball and bring it close to you.
2. Receiving the ball
It’s important to receive the ball in a way that lets you control it easily. You should try to keep it close so you can move or pass quickly.
Drill:
- Ask a friend to pass the ball to you from different angles.
- Try to use your inside foot to bring the ball under control and keep it close.
3. Close dribbling
Dribbling with the ball close to your feet helps you move past defenders and keep possession. You need to practice using small touches to keep the ball near you.
Drill:
- Set up a few cones and dribble the ball through them.
- Keep the ball close to your feet by making small, quick touches.
Common mistakes to avoid
Kicking the ball too hard: If you kick the ball too hard when receiving it, it will bounce away. Try to control the ball with softer touches.
Using only one foot: Practice using both feet so you can control the ball from any direction.
Letting the ball get too far away: Always keep the ball close to you so you don’t lose it.
Ball control is a skill that gets better with practice. The more you work on it, the easier it will be to stop the ball, dribble past defenders, and make accurate passes. Keep practising, and soon you’ll feel much more confident on the pitch!
