5 Drills to Improve Your Ball Control Like a Pro

Conquer the ball, and you’ll conquer the game! Mastering ball control is the first step to football success. A football player with excellent ball control can maneuver the ball at will, maintain possession under pressure, and execute precise passes. If you are trying to get better at football, we have put together drills that will help improve ball control and in due course elevate your ball control skills to pro level.

Warm-Up Drills

Warm-ups we know are necessary before any physical activity. There are certain warm-ups that not only prepare your muscles for better coordination but in turn also help in ball control.

Toe Touches (Toe Taps)

Stand with the football stationed between your feet.
Tap the top of the ball with the toes of each foot alternately maintaining a rhythm.
Make sure the touches are light and quick to get you accustomed to the ball’s feel.

Inside Rolls

Put the sole of your foot on the football.
Roll the ball across your body towards the opposite foot.
Repeat with the other feet.

Foundation (Bell Taps)

Stand with shoulder-width apart feet.
Place the football between the feet.
Move the ball back and forth between the insides of your feet.
Maintain a steady motion.

Dribbling Drills

How well you can dribble the ball without losing control suggests how good or bad your ball control is. You can try and practice these dribbling drills to improve ball control.

Cone Weaving

Make a line of cones spaced about two feet apart.
Moving forward with the football, dribble in and out of the cones with both feet.
Use the inside and outside of your feet to maneuver the ball between the cones.

Figure Eight Dribbling

Put two cones about four feet apart.
In the figure 8 motion, dribble the ball around the cones.

Speed Dribbling

Make a straight line of about 25-25 yards.
Dribble the ball from one end to the other as fast as possible.
Try to keep the ball close while going at speed.

Passing and Receiving Drills

Pass-and-receive drills can work wonders to help you get better at football and also improve ball control.

Wall Passes

Find a wall and stand about five yards from it.
Pass the ball against the wall with the inside of your foot.
Control the rebound with one touch and pass again to the wall.
Repeat the motion for 5 minutes.

Passing Through the Gate

Place pairs of cones (gates) about a yard apart.
Stand a few yards away and pass the ball through the gates either against a wall or to a partner.
Aim for precision and keep going for a couple of minutes.

Triangle Passing

Put three cones in a triangle formation.
Pass the ball around the triangle with the help of a partner.
Ask the partner to pass the football to the next cone alternatively.

First Touch Control Drills

The first touch is crucial in the game of football and sets up the next action. Here are some first-touch control drills for you.

First Touch and Pass

Stand five feet against a wall.
Pass the ball and control it with your first touch.
Keep your focus on cushioning the ball and setting it up for the next return pass.
Use the inside, outside, and sole of your foot for control alternately.

Aerial Control

With the help of a partner, get a football tossed at you at varying heights.
Use your foot, thigh, and chest alternately to control the ball and bring it to the ground.
The touch must be soft to deaden the ball’s momentum.

Directional First Touch

You need to set up a pair of cones that would represent defenders.
Receive a pass from a partner and try to maneuver the ball away from the “defender” into space using the first touch.

Aerial Ball Control Drills

Besides ball control on the ground, you need to practice to control balls played in the air as well. Here are the drills that will help you do this.

Juggling

With the help of a partner, get a football tossed at you at varying heights.
Use your feet, thighs, and head to keep the ball in the air.
Try controlling the ball with multiple consecutive touches without the football touching the ground.

Heading Control

Ask a partner to toss the ball to you at varying heights.
Using the forehead, direct the ball back to them.
In the activity, your focus must be on accuracy and controlling the football with headers.

Chest Control

Ask a partner to loft the ball toward you.
Using your chest, cushion the ball and bring it to the ground.
Immediately after, direct the ball into a specific area for immediate follow-up action.

Volley Practice

Ask a partner to toss the ball in the air or you can also do it yourself.
Before the football hits the ground, use the inside of your step to volley the ball toward a target.
This drill helps improve the ball in motion control.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I practice football control drills?

Practice makes one perfect. You must keep at it and consistently practice these drills, dedicating at least 30 minutes every day to ball control drills.

What equipment do you need for football control training?

There is not much of a requirement apart from a football, cones (or markers), a wall, and some open space.

How long does it take to improve football control?

In a month after regular practice, you will notice an improvement in your ball control for sure. The more effort you put in, the sooner you will see results.

How to track the progress of ball control in football?

You can record your performance regularly to monitor improvement. Also, you can set measurable goals, time-frame, and the number of touches and see passing accuracy to track ball control progress.

Conclusion

To improve ball control, you need to hit the drills on a regular basis. It’s an ongoing path where you will keep getting better and better. Mastering ball control in turn will not only better touch, coordination, and confidence with the ball but will make you a complete footballer. Start with these beginner drills and elevate your football skills to the next level.

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