Manchester Youth Soccer League

Receiving - Think of it as an Egg

Receiving the ball is a basic soccer skill.  When I was your age, we called it “trapping”.  However, modern soccer wisdom shuns the concept of trapping, and for good reason.  I was taught to step on the ball or stop it "dead cold".  This actually makes it easier for your opponent to regain possession --- the ball is stationary like an apple waiting to be picked off a tree.   

The following thoughts should be kept in mind when the ball is coming your direction:

 

1. Go to the ball (long passes).  Just like a wide receiver in football, she who waits – is late.
2. Get in the ball's line of flight.  Then decide which body part is best able to receive it. 
3. Don't stab at the ball - catch it.   I think the best example of this was demonstrated in the kid classic movie “The Mighty Ducks” ----  think of that ball as an incoming egg – don’t break it!!! "Catching the ball" means slightly retracting that part of the body which receives the ball.
4. Keep the ball in front of but not beneath you.  Trapping a ball requires a second touch to move it away from your body.  Moving the ball to one side may be necessary to avoid pressure but it will eliminate at least one of your passing options (left or right)

 

How do you practice receiving?                                                          

• Ball Juggling  - A great way to get the feel and coordination.  Try starting with a balloon, which may seem too easy, but it allows you to experiment with all sides of your foot, head, chest, knees, etc.  Then try a small ball (e.g. size 1) and follow the bounce juggling format on this website.  
• Hackey sacks - An excellent way to get that real feel for the ball. 
• Wall Ball - Kick a ball against the wall while varying the speed, angle, and height of the kick.  Obviously, this activity is done outdoors or at least in the basement of your house.

Video Clip

Instruction from Christie Rampone  

Receiving Inside Foot

Receiving Outside Foot

Instruction from Your Soccer Mentor

Chest Trap

 

 

 

Go Ahead - Break Some Eggs

OK - it's time to break some eggs!!!  Although a soft touch on the receiving end is a great way to bring the ball under control, there are many game situations when a hard touch works better.  A few examples of "eggs a la Coach Houseman" are:

• Pass To Yourself - If you have a lot of attacking space, make that first touch a pass to yourself as you move up the field.
• 50/50 Ball - If you're challenging an opponent for the ball, it's often best to run through the ball. Aggressiveness usually pays off.
• Short Hop or Wedge - There's an old baseball expression that goes something like this: "Play the ball, don't let the ball play you".  Many low incoming balls are handled better by wedging them with your foot against the ground.  In fact, a well played short hop can create back spin keeping the ball close to you.  Another short hop situation is receiving a long flighted ball - like a punt from a goalie. As you know, these balls can hurt if chested or headed incorrectly.  Instead, try taking these "pile drivers" on the short hop.  It might save you a big headache and your parents an anxiety attack. 
• One Touch Balls - Whether in the scoring zone or danger zone, posing for pictures is not recommended.  In other words, take a shot or kick it out!!!  Also, many combination passes like the "give and go" (wall pass) are most effective using a single touch.  

In Summary - Phrases like "be first to the ball" or "run through the ball" are axiomatic in soccer.  Many times during a match, breaking some eggs makes a lot of sense.

Video Clip - click here  to see a demo on the wedge/short hop trap.

1. Go to the ball (long passes).  Just like a wide receiver in football, she who waits – is late.
2. Get in the ball's line of flight.  Then decide which body part is best able to receive it. 
3. Don't stab at the ball - catch it.   I think the best example of this was demonstrated in the kid classic movie “The Mighty Ducks” ----  think of that ball as an incoming egg – don’t break it!!! "Catching the ball" means slightly retracting that part of the body which receives the ball.
4. Keep the ball in front of but not beneath you.  Trapping a ball requires a second touch to move it away from your body.  Moving the ball to one side may be necessary to avoid pressure but it will eliminate at least one of your passing options (left or right)

OK - it's time to break some eggs!!!  Although a soft touch on the receiving end is a great way to bring the ball under control, there are many game situations when a hard touch works better.  A few examples of "eggs a la Coach Houseman" are:

• Pass To Yourself - If you have a lot of attacking space, make that first touch a pass to yourself as you move up the field.
• 50/50 Ball - If you're challenging an opponent for the ball, it's often best to run through the ball. Aggressiveness usually pays off.
• Short Hop or Wedge - There's an old baseball expression that goes something like this: "Play the ball, don't let the ball play you".  Many low incoming balls are handled better by wedging them with your foot against the ground.  In fact, a well played short hop can create back spin keeping the ball close to you.  Another short hop situation is receiving a long flighted ball - like a punt from a goalie. As you know, these balls can hurt if chested or headed incorrectly.  Instead, try taking these "pile drivers" on the short hop.  It might save you a big headache and your parents an anxiety attack. 
• One Touch Balls - Whether in the scoring zone or danger zone, posing for pictures is not recommended.  In other words, take a shot or kick it out!!!  Also, many combination passes like the "give and go" (wall pass) are most effective using a single touch.  

In Summary - Phrases like "be first to the ball" or "run through the ball" are axiomatic in soccer.  Many times during a match, breaking some eggs makes a lot of sense.

Video Clip - click here  to see a demo on the wedge/short hop trap.

Receiving the ball is a basic soccer skill. When I was your age, we called it “trapping”. However, modern soccer wisdom shuns the concept of trapping, and for good reason. I was taught to step on the ball or stop it "dead cold". This actually makes it easier for your opponent to regain possession --- the ball is stationary like an apple waiting to be picked off a tree.

1. Go to the ball (long passes).  Just like a wide receiver in football, she who waits – is late.
2. Get in the ball's line of flight.  Then decide which body part is best able to receive it. 
3. Don't stab at the ball - catch it.   I think the best example of this was demonstrated in the kid classic movie “The Mighty Ducks” ----  think of that ball as an incoming egg – don’t break it!!! "Catching the ball" means slightly retracting that part of the body which receives the ball.
4. Keep the ball in front of but not beneath you.  Trapping a ball requires a second touch to move it away from your body.  Moving the ball to one side may be necessary to avoid pressure but it will eliminate at least one of your passing options (left or right)

Go Ahead - Break Some Eggs

OK - it's time to break some eggs!!!  Although a soft touch on the receiving end is a great way to bring the ball under control, there are many game situations when a hard touch works better.  A few examples of "eggs a la Coach Houseman" are:

• Pass To Yourself - If you have a lot of attacking space, make that first touch a pass to yourself as you move up the field.
• 50/50 Ball - If you're challenging an opponent for the ball, it's often best to run through the ball. Aggressiveness usually pays off.
• Short Hop or Wedge - There's an old baseball expression that goes something like this: "Play the ball, don't let the ball play you".  Many low incoming balls are handled better by wedging them with your foot against the ground.  In fact, a well played short hop can create back spin keeping the ball close to you.  Another short hop situation is receiving a long flighted ball - like a punt from a goalie. As you know, these balls can hurt if chested or headed incorrectly.  Instead, try taking these "pile drivers" on the short hop.  It might save you a big headache and your parents an anxiety attack. 
• One Touch Balls - Whether in the scoring zone or danger zone, posing for pictures is not recommended.  In other words, take a shot or kick it out!!!  Also, many combination passes like the "give and go" (wall pass) are most effective using a single touch.  

In Summary - Phrases like "be first to the ball" or "run through the ball" are axiomatic in soccer.  Many times during a match, breaking some eggs makes a lot of sense.

Video Clip - click here  to see a demo on the wedge/short hop trap.