Soccer touch-Tips to improve this skill
Many youth soccer players envision themselves moving the ball down the field, making fancy moves past defenders and then scoring the winning goal. They don’t always realize that in order have that nice control with the ball that they need to spend a lot of time with it.
There are many areas that a player can work on, but one of the most valuable and effective techniques is to do a variety of repetitive touches. The design of such a program needs to include touching the ball the all surfaces of the foot with rapid, quick foot speed. Proper technique is essential and the player should be supervised to make sure it is done properly. As the athlete improves technique, then speed should increase. The program can and should be personalized to the ability of the player, but will include one minute of each particular activity and move on to the next without stopping.
The list of activities can include the following:
- Toe taps (alternating left and right toes on top of a stationary ball)
- Pendulums
- Triangles
- Three pendulums then a ball roll with the bottom of the foot to the other foot
- Three pendulums then push the ball forward and pull it back
- Four sideways step rolls with the bottom or the trail foot, then switch directions
- Four sideways step rolls with the bottom of the lead foot, then switch direction
- Hop on left foot while pushing the ball forward four touches, then pulling back, switch feet
- Alternating feet pushing ball forward 10 times then pulling it back
- Step with left foot, touch ball with laces of right foot 10 times change feet
- Inside face/outside face cuts with right foot 10 times, repeat with left foot
The list can be as long or short as the player can handle. Other techniques can be added or altered as the coach sees fit. The important thing is that each move must be done for one complete minute and the next move begun without stopping for a fluid transition. It is also important for the player to stay on their toes and make quick movements.
Another good activity to help with touch is to use the same type of exercise passing off a wall. This works well when the weather is bad and can be done in a gym. The player stands about three feet from the wall and makes a variety of passes off the wall using each foot for a minute straight and utilizing each part of the foot. For example:
- Pass the ball off the wall using the laces of the right foot (toe down, heel up, knees high.)switch to left foot
- Pass off the wall using the inside face of the right foot for one minute, switch to left foot
- Make passes with the outside face of right foot, switch to left foot
- Alternate inside face/outside face of right foot, switch to left foot
- While jogging in place alternate passing the ball off the right foot then left foot using laces only
Once again, each activity is done for one minute before seamlessly moving to the next. Proper positioning of the feet, distance from the wall and the pace with which the ball is struck will affect the smoothness of the drill. The coach should also observe the player the first few times to make sure he or she is staying on their toes and that the plant foot, or foot not being used for passing, comes off the ground with every touch. That is an essential element to help the player have quick feet.
Doing each of these types of exercises three to five times a week will help the players have a better touch on the ball, improve their foot speed and help them stay on their toes and be light on their feet.
