Football - 53

Teaching Football Skills Control-Receiving

Ball Control
1. 2. 3.

There are three important points for good ball control. The first touch protects the ball from challenging players and does not give them a chance to regain possession. Play the ball into available space to allow for the next touch. Allow the game movement to start or continue by gaining or keeping momentum.

A poor first touch will risk taking the momentum out of play and increase the possibility of losing possession. Some players make the mistake of killing the ball dead and not concentrating on getting it out of their feet. The first touch is meant to ensure that a time wasting second touch is not needed to get the ball out and ready for the next action. The general technique for controlling the ball requires several simple skills which can be acquired through correct training practices. The first key element in ball control is to place the controlling surface into the ball's line of flight. The body weight is well distributed, so it is possible to move forward, backward or sideways. Keep the head steady and watch the ball carefully to judge its flight and speed. It is difficult to keep one’s eyes permanently on the ball. Better players are able to take a quick glance to know what is happening around them before contact is made. The second step is making an early judgment in choosing the right technique and body surface to control. Wedge control involves a more rigid surface where the player attempts to force the ball downwards or into space so they can move onto it. A cushioned control involves taking the sting out of the ball. This involves pulling the surface back, just when the ball makes contact. The body becomes elastic so that the ball simply drops at the players feet. This particular technique is very useful when closely marked; for example, a forward receiving the ball on the chest with his back to goal. Control also requires good mental abilities, such as confidence and total concentration. A composed player is one who is calm, relaxed and unhurried in his movements. Confidence plays a big part in this as athletes who know what they can do and are confident in their ability are more likely to show great technique and succeed. Those who do not have confidence will be indecisive and their technique hurried. When training, players can exaggerate the movements to get the feel of the right technique. Younger players can learn from the coach, who can demonstrate the technique, break it down and practice the individual elements and, eventually, practice the whole technique. Once the basic techniques have been mastered, the coach moves on to more advanced techniques and skills. These techniques and skills concentrate on improving control in pressure situations (for example, defenders coming from the side, front, back), control while moving at pace, control which involves an immediate layoff and controlling the ball for a teammate. The ball is received constantly from all angles, speeds, heights and surfaces. Some common problems when controlling the ball are described below, along with a training method than can be used to improve technique. Problem No. 1 - Ball path has been misread and the player has missed the pass. Corrective Procedure Repeated practice using passes from different distances with varying intensity. The coach must encourage player to keep their eyes on the ball at all times and get their body in line. Problem No. 2 - Player is indecisive when choosing controlling body surface. Corrective Procedure Player shouts the type of body surface they will use. The server provides the pass and vice versa until the player gets the right feeling for the choice of technique.

Special Olympics Football Coaching Guide Created: February 2004

Football

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Football