So you want to control the ball either to shoot or to pass, then what you must master is the free soccer drills. Execution of this skill isn’t just possible without a variety of soccer exercises.
Which part of the ball should be kicked? Which part of the head should be used to apply force and how much force should other parts generate? Where does one want to hit the ball answers these questions.
For instance, to hit the ball to the ground, players will strike the ball with the downward motion of the forehead. The distance the ball travels after contact and the force that is applied when hit are directly proportional.
Soccer practice helps the player to decide the heading technique based on the position of the ball with respect to him. Take the case of the defense players, they generally head the ball high and wide , away from the goal.
Similarly, players in the midfield play the ball more precisely as they are often trying to head it to the attacking players.
When it comes to heading the ball, many players need to overcome the fear of being struck in the face by the ball. And that’s why the free soccer drills uses a sponge type ball for teaching heading skills.
To reduce fear, some cases mandate to use a slightly larger and lighter ball like a beach ball. To teach the heading progression, a Soccer coach should position the players on their knees to ensure proper balance of the lower body. When the players have proper balance of the lower body, they concentrate on the action of the upper body.
Players move onto the next level of hitting the ball in the standing position, when they are comfortable striking the ball with their heads. This part of the soccer coaching teaches the players about the contributions of lower body in the heading.
For the next step in the progression, partners toss the ball to each other while remaining stationery and then while in motion. As the players become more confident, have them jump and then head the ball with the help of a one-foot take off. The players can also be challenged with heading drills in a game-like defensive pressurized environment.
To add more structure and to develop intentional play, one should refine the heading skills.
Do yourself a favor and incorporate free soccer drills that do not initially use a ball. In this way, young players gain confidence in their moving skills without having to control the ball. When the players demonstrate competence with movement, they can practice with the ball.
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About the author
Andre Botelho is a recognized expert in youth soccer coaching. He influences well over 35,000 youth coaches each year with his unique coaching philosophy, and makes it really easy to explode your players’ skills and make training more fun in record time. To download your free youth soccer coaching guide visit: How to coach soccer.
