How to Control the Soccer Ball out of the Air

Learn how to trap a soccer ball out of the air in one touch! 

1st touch is everything in soccer. Without it, the game will be very difficult! There are many different ways and body parts to use when controlling the ball out of the air. This video only focuses on controlling the ball with the your laces when a ball is coming out of the air from above you. 

Stick around for the end and I will show you an advanced exercise you can do to practice your ball control

Key Points:

1. Curl toe, point up and lock ankle
2. Bring foot up to meet the ball
3. As ball hits you on the upper part of laces by your toe, bring your foot down to cushion it in. 
Think of catching an egg. If you were to catch an egg would you just let it hit you? No, you would cushion it in. 
4. Be confident! Don't be thinking, I hope I don't mess up, believe you will make a great touch!

Equipment Needed: A soccer ball

Exercise Player Can Do: 

Practice without the ball first going through the technique. Once comfortable toss the ball up, not to high, let it bounce, then control the ball. Once comfortable controlling the ball out of the air off the bounce, then toss it up and control it out of the air with no bounce. Start with small tosses and increase height of your toss, as you feel more comfortable. 

If it's coming at you in the air more straight on instead of directly above then use technique for controlling the ball with inside of your foot. For more tips on how to do that please watch my Online Soccer Academy training video called "How to Receive a Soccer Pass".

Bonus Tip:

Check your shoulder as the ball is in the air to see if a defender is coming. If a defender is coming, then take your touch away from the defender or position your body to use it as a shield from the on coming defender. 

What Player Could Be Doing Wrong: 

If the ball is hitting you and just bouncing off or flying away from you your foot is probably pointed down like so. If that is the case then curl your foot back so your laces almost make a pocket for the ball to land in. 

If the ball is having a hard bounce after you try to control it you are not cushioning it in good enough. Think of an elevator. Does an elevator going from the 10th floor to the first floor just slam down on the first floor? No! It slows down. Your foot needs to slow the ball down like an elevator so meet it high and cushion it down. 

Advanced Exercise:

Once comfortable with controlling the ball out of the air and you are feeling confident try tossing the ball in the air and stall or catch it on your foot without it bouncing! Always be challenging yourself!

This Video Covers:
How to Control the Soccer Ball out of the Air - How to Control a Soccer Ball -
Soccer Ball Control - How to Trap a Soccer Ball - Soccer Skills- Soccer Drills - Soccer Tutorial