Blog

Ball Mastery – Become a better Soccer Player

Teaching soccer principles can be challenging. With that many different pieces moving simultaneously on the field, there is never the ONE right decision that works 100% of the time. Often times, players recognize an opportunity, but the pass does not connect because of a bad touch prior to it. The game cannot get into a flow because of individual mistakes. The players are missing BALL MASTERY to become a better soccer player.

Build Your Soccer House

Developing a soccer player is like building a house. Sure, you might already imagine how you want to lay out the living room, and what your bedroom will look like, but without a solid foundation, your house will fall apart when facing the smallest storm. Ball Mastery is exactly this foundation. It is your first touch when receiving a ball, how you dribble in high pace, connecting passes, all while under pressure.

The Journey to Ball Mastery

Truly mastering the ball is a quest that takes several years. But a journey of a million miles starts with the first step. It starts with juggling in the yard, 20, 50, 100, 1000 times in a row. It starts with dribbling around cones, or shoes, water bottles, whatever can serve as obstacles. European youth academies suggest at least 5,000 – 10,000 touches (depending on publication and country) every day to improve confidence on the ball.

The 3 P´s for success: Practice, Practice, Practice

Players experience it all the time: the more confident they get with the ball, the more fun they will have, as they score more goals, complete more passes, and are overall more involved in the game! But it takes time. Club practice often does not allow this individual time with the ball, as coaches have to use their limited time with the players per week to teach many different aspects of the game. So, it is up each player to get the touches in – with or without help.

What´s your favorite Ball Mastery exercise? Toe Taps? Foundations? Step overs? Let us know in the comments below.