It is important that every young soccer player learn ball control skills. Confidence in these skills allows players to control and play the ball out of very tight spaces successfully. Daily practice is necessary in achieving good ball control skills and improving confidence. Training sessions do not have to be long. Fifteen to 30 minute sessions are adequate to improve these skills.
Coaches should encourage ball control skills at the beginning of each practice to see progress made by players practicing at home between official training sessions.
Here are a few videos on basic soccer ball control skills players should practice every day.
Juggling
This video covers the basics of juggling and will help players get started. It is about 10 minutes long and the actual juggling technique demonstration starts about 5 minutes into the video. Enjoy.
Using both feet to control the ball
This video demonstrates using each foot to roll the ball forwards and backwards, side to side, and in a triangle. You will see examples of using the inside and outside of the foot to push the ball forward and how to push the ball in a circle using each foot.
Trapping the ball
This video demonstrates multiple ways to trap the ball. Remember practice makes perfect. So give it a try.
If players practice these basic skills for 15 to 30 minutes per day they will improve their confidence and skill level to control the ball. Make it fun while practicing. Use music or sing a song in your head or out loud to help develop a rhythm.
