Control Soccer Drills Wednesday, 03 February 2010 20:09 Written by Administrator

Below are listed general key coaching points for soccer controlling and receiving technique.  These should be taught alongside the control coaching points listed in the drills and activities:

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Preparation to Receive

• Get in line with the incoming path of the ball (move feet).
• On toes and ready to adjust positioning.
• keep the body generally relaxed.
• Eyes on the ball with head up.
• Body position should be open to options.
• Controlling surface should be placed in the line of flight of the ball in aerial control situations.
• Assess positions of nearby players (awareness) to determine if a first time pass is to be played or where the first touch needs to be.

Controlling touch

• Cushion the ball in, taking the pace off it.
• On contact the controlling surface should be relaxed.
• Can you receive with an open body position?
• Does their first touch guide the ball into space so they can protect the ball from any challenging player?
• Does their first touch enable them to pass or shoot the ball?
• Bend knees for low centre of gravity.

Control with the Thigh

• Bend knee to meet the ball, half way up the thigh or higher from the actual knee joint.
• Arms should be used for additional balance.
• Thigh (leg) should be withdrawn on impact to cushion the ball.
• Ball should drop approximately a yard or 2 infront of the player for the next option.
• Control to the left or right side by having the control touch be slightly off the centre of the thigh.

Control with the Chest

• Arms should be used to guide in the ball and go back on impact to maintain stability.
• The back should be arched from the vertical.
• Receive in the centre or just off centre of the chest to position the ball where you want.
• Relax the upper body on impact
• Use the Pectorial muscles to perform angles touches or even passes with the chest.

Control with the Head

• Cushion the ball in and move the head backwards on impact.
• Arch the back if necessary and bend the knees to absorb the impact.
• Control with forehead.
• If there is no pace on the ball the ball can be cushioned with the head forward.