| A very important aspect of kid's soccer is learning | | | | Third, there is the chest trap. One of the more |
| how to control the ball effectively. Whether it is | | | | difficult techniques to master, this method is best |
| passed on the ground or in the air, there are specific | | | | used for loftier passes at quicker speeds. First, |
| soccer tactics you can use in order to receive and | | | | slightly bend your back just enough to create a |
| keep the ball in your possession. This act is commonly | | | | "platform" from which the ball can bounce off of. |
| known as "trapping," and is typically performed when | | | | Next, straighten out your arms firmly alongside your |
| a player is attempting to slow down the speed of a | | | | body. Try practicing this with a friend initially by |
| ball before making the next touch. When trapping the | | | | tossing the ball back and forth to one another. It will |
| ball, there are numerous parts of your body you can | | | | take some time to find a comfortable angle that |
| use depending on the situation. Here are four of my | | | | works best for you. |
| favorite to get you started. | | | | Lastly, a player can attempt to use their head. This is |
| The most important to teach first when coaching | | | | by far the hardest of the four, but can really come in |
| soccer for kids is the foot trap. This is most likely to | | | | handy at crucial moments. When trying to perform a |
| be used when the ball is passed on the ground. There | | | | head trap, it is extremely difficult to keep control. It |
| are several ways that this can be accomplished: using | | | | will take a lot of time and practice to learn this |
| the inside, outside, or sole of the foot. Simply cushion | | | | soccer tactic, as the ball can easily reflect in many |
| the pass enough to gain control and keep it within | | | | different directions if not handled correctly. |
| dribbling range. | | | | Therefore, you must attempt to bend your knees |
| Next, you can use the thigh trap. This requires the | | | | and position your head overtop the ball, aiming your |
| player to use extreme caution in order to avoid | | | | forehead towards the ground. If the ball is kicked too |
| injury. When the ball is around waist height, it is wise | | | | high to get into this position, you can also attempt to |
| to use a portion of your thigh to cradle the ball by | | | | connect right around your hairline while gently |
| getting slightly underneath. This is also a very good | | | | propping the ball up so that it can land at your feet. |
| technique, since you are not permitted to use your | | | | As a reminder, be sure to continually practice these |
| hands in any way. Again, be careful to gauge the | | | | youth soccer drills with a friend to recognize the best |
| speed of the ball well and avoid contact with any | | | | results. Overtime, you will witness an improvement in |
| sensitive areas. | | | | your overall ball control and playing ability. |