Soccer Masterclass (FREE Training) - https://bit.ly/3uu6JXw FREE Pre-match success guide (PDF) - https://bit.ly/3tMPTTI Online Soccer Academy (JOIN) - https://bit.ly/soccerNOW 6 Soccer Ball Control Exercises | Individual Soccer Ball Control Drills, Skills, Tips, and Training The best soccer ball control exercises are ones that replicate touches you will actually experience during matches. Basic juggling is great but many players realize it doesn’t always convert into having better touches & control in games. In this video / article I’ll show you exactly how to train by yourself to improve your control, first touch, and confidence on the ball. Soccer Ball Control Exercises It’s important to improve your soccer ball control skills because as you know the ball isn’t always on the ground. If you’re only comfortable passing and receiving on the ground you will remain a very one dimensional player. Sadly, most players only practice their ball control as the ball is traveling to them in the heat of the game, with all eyes on them, and the pressure high. If you want to become a master of how to control a soccer ball in the air you need to spend time training on your own. Team sessions are great but players improve their technical skills the fastest when they devote time to their individual training. Luckily, ball control is one of the skills I see players improve the fastest. Probably because it’s a fun style of soccer training, you don’t need lots of equipment, and you become motivated to train more when you start to see quick improvements in your ball control. Soccer ball control training Just like any style of training, we must first address the biggest mental barrier soccer players experience when practicing on their own: FRUSTRATION You may have the tendency to get frustrated with yourself when you can’t perform these basic soccer ball control drills perfectly the first time. You get discouraged, kick the ball away, and give up for the day. You don’t have to be this type of player anymore. Realize that frustration does not serve you in your progression as a player. Mistakes are part of learning and the more mistakes you make, the faster you can improve. As long as you learn from those mistakes. Don’t continue to make the same mistakes and expect different results. What can you learn from the mistake? Are there any changes you make to your technique? What should you try differently next time? By remaining calm, channeling your frustration into more practice, and analyzing your mistakes you will improve faster than other players. Win the battle of your mind. Control negative emotions. And keep practicing. Soccer Ball Control Tips Before you watch the video below, I want to give a few more soccer tips to help you perform these exercises more efficiently. Take these ideas into consideration when you are practicing by yourself: #1 - Stay ready. Most players only focus on their technique and neglect their movement. Half of having a better touch is being ready for the ball. Get off your heels. Catch yourself being flat footed. Get on your toes in an athletic stance, so you are ready to react. #2 - Move to the ball. Whenever possible refrain from lunging for your touches. If you can get your body behind the ball you are more likely to have a bad touch. It becomes difficult to control passes when you have to stick your leg out from your body. Instead of lunging for touches, do your best to move your feet quickly and get behind the ball. #3 - Eye on the ball. If you want to have a perfect touch, really focus on the ball until you make contact with your foot. Most players will be looking up at their target before they’ve even made the touch. Actually watch the ball travel in the air, make contact with your foot, and even focus on the exact point of the ball you want to make contact with. If you have any questions related to this topic please comment below. Start training with Progressive Soccer: If you're really serious about improvement, I've put together this mini masterclass of "how to become a better soccer player" with helpful lessons to speed up your development - https://bit.ly/3uu6JXw Download the FREE pre-match success guide: If you’re nervous about your next game / practice you might benefit from the “prematch success guide” – 10 principles to eliminate nerves and improve the quality of your game day performances - https://bit.ly/3tMPTTI Join the Online Soccer Academy: If you want to develop the skills necessary to earn your starting position, become the “go-to” player during, and dominate your opponents every match day click this link – https://bit.ly/soccerNOW Coach Dylan Progressive Soccer “We should not be measured by our level success but by the level of success we help others achieve.” Thanks for watching: 6 Soccer Ball Control Exercises | Individual Soccer Ball Control Drills, Skills, Tips, and Training