For improving your control over the soccer ball, you will have to understand that only practice can make it possible. You will have to start from the scratch and keep practicing frequently until you have managed to control the soccer ball. The best way to control the ball is by the side of your foot. When you are in the game, you can control the ball only with your hands and shoulders. Here are some simple steps on how to control soccer balls.
- Before you try to control the ball, you will have to decide that the ball should be controlled or not. Sometime you can put up a fake act, like you are going to control the ball, then at the last moment allow the ball to continue its path. In this way, you will deceive the defender.
- Next, you must think about the end product after you have controlled the ball, which is do you wish to set up the ball, take a shot, keep possession, pass the ball or move away from the defender.
- If you are planning to use your foot, then decide if you will use the grass for help as well. Most of the people refer to this as ‘trapping the ball’. Trapping the ball will involve using the grass and your foot together for controlling the ball. You will have to time it in such a way that the ball reaches the grass; you use the bottom of your foot or instep to trap the ball.
- You can control the ball with the thigh, chest, and top of the foot or head. Once you know which body part you are going to use then you can move to the next step.
- You must move in line with the ball by using tiny steps and constantly be on your toes for making last second adjustments as you need. You must move from side to side, backward and forward for meeting the ball in the right place. This will make it easier to control the ball with your desired body part.
- You must let the ball connect with your body part and cushion the ball by withdrawing your body part. You will have to let the two connect and relax the muscles, which are involved and gain enough energy of the moving ball. Never be tense and rigid, this will cause the ball to bounce off from your body part. You must allow the ball to slow down and drop it in the required space.
- Make sure that you are aware of the space around you and you must know how to control the soccer ball in that place. Once again, remind yourself of what you wish to do with the ball, like a short pass. For instance, if you wish to control the ball with your front foot, then decide where you want to shoot, take the right angle and check the distance. Once you have taken an angle step up on the ball and take a good shot.
- If you are new player in the soccer world, then you must use the inside part of your foot as often as you can. This will make it easier for you to set the ball as compared to any other part of your body.
- The outside of the foot is the most common part used for controlling the ball. The reason for this is pretty obvious; you cannot achieve the same speed with any other part of your foot. Always remember that you can easily squeeze the ball on the outside of your body with very little effort and adjustment. This step can be achieved with a smooth movement, which can help in disguising your intention for the opponent. You can use this step when you need to gain maximum speed in the soccer field.
- You can use the sole as well, as it is very useful for controlling the ball while you are facing the opponent goal with your back and minimum space.
You can easily control the soccer ball with any part of your body, but you must know which step are you comfortable with. Just find your style and keep practicing.
Related Tags: front foot control, how long does it take to improve your soccer ball control
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