Like most new skills, the best way to learn them is to start slowly, learn them correctly & then speed up as you become more familiar & confident. So make sure your players:
Stay patient!
Work hard!
Spend time practising at home
And repeat, repeat, repeat the skill!
GETTING USED TO THE BALL
These skills will lead to confidence on the ball & the players will be able to develop ball control. It’s all about getting as many touches on the ball as possible! All parts of the foot should be used.
TOE TAPS
Toe taps are simply touches on the top of the ball using the sole of your boot. They help improve coordination, make players have quick feet and a nice soft touch on the ball.
How To Do Toe Taps:
Stand with the ball directly in front. Now put the sole of one foot on top of the ball while keeping the other one planted on the ground. Now switch feet so the opposite sole of the foot is on the ball and the other foot is on the ground. Repeat this.
Go as slowly as is required to start with. Eventually players will be doing it in a fluid motion. Build up so that eventually players will be “bouncing” & moving one foot as soon as the other touches the top of the ball.
Key points to remember:
Use the bottom of your toes to tap the ball
Nice & soft (don’t stomp on the ball!)
Find your balance & keep your head over the ball
IMAGE - TOE TAPS:
1 - Start with both feet behind the ball.
2 - Keep the left foot on the ground & raise the right foot & gently tap the top of the ball with your toes.
3 - Swap feet so the left toe taps the ball & the right foot returns to the ground.
Happy coaching!
Chris King
For more tips & drills for kids pick up "COACHING KIDS SOCCER - AGES 5 TO 10" from Amazon or this website!
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