Let’s say that at least 50% of soccer coaching drills must concentrate on improving player’s trapping skills. You will not be convinced with the statement. But No! Research shows that trapping along with passing and dribbling skills alone decide whether your team is capable of winning matches or not.
Trapping is the skill which enables a player to catch the ball and keep it close to himself. Soccer exercises like these let the players use their feet, chest and thighs for this.
Players must be familiar with the job of trapping the ball. Failing to do so would mean that they can never be in command of the game since this is imperative. Trapping skills of the players can be enhanced by following the ways mentioned here.
Engaging the feet: Firstly, train your players in using their feet to deal with the ball which is a basic skill. Particularly in kids soccer drills, teach the kids to use inside of their foot. This is because the inside area of the foot id wide and very useful in engaging with the ball.
Older and well-established players in soccer coaching drills should be trained to use their full foot, just the top, or instep. In cases where the ball bounces a lot, it is best to make them use their shin or ankle to tackle the ball.
Thigh Movement: Speedy and bouncy ball can be controlled by simply using the thigh. Instruct the players to get in front of the ball, stand on one feet and rise the other thigh to stop the ball. While doing this, remember that the knee should some down when it comes in contact with the ball so that the ball remains within the player’s range.
Continue repeating this exercise till the time you learn it by heart i.e. stopping the ball with your thigh and then tumbling the thigh down so the ball stays somewhere close to you.
Use the Chest: Just like the thigh, chest too has a vital role to play in trapping the ball flying high in the air. Train the players to confront the ball head on by taking their chest out in full force in order to control the ball. When they do so, the ball will instantly loose its speed and easily get down to the feet.
But keep in mind that in soccer training drills, young players are given only a few modest lessons on this technique. It is very typical of them to use their hands while trying to stop the ball with the chest. It could be troublesome because the kids might get accustomed to using their hands to catch the ball.
Now its time to start putting these soccer coaching drills into action. Encourage the players to practice these to a great extent. By subscribing to our youth soccer coaching community, keep yourself updated on the latest in the field.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andre Botelho is known online as “The Expert Youth Soccer Coach” and his free ebooks and reports have been downloaded more than 100,000 times. Learn how to skyrocket your players’ skills and make training fun in record time. Download your free ebook at: http://www.soccerdrillstips.com – Youth Soccer Training Drills.
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