Gary Fixter - Soccer Ball Handling And Control

Gary Fixter Explains us How to handle the ball

Gary Fixter - Ball handling has two main categories, reception and control. Reception is redirecting the ball to a point where it can be shot or dribbled on the next hit, while control is to stop the ball completely by cushioning its movement.

Reception

When running to a particular spot, it is better to redirect the ball on its path rather than stop it completely. Aim to make contact with the middle or top of the ball. Tap the ball in the direction you want to send it. Good footballers carry the ball away from the closest opponents. This gives them extra time by keeping them one step further from positions.

Control

Control is generally used when the ball is going too fast to redirect it with a single touch. Try to keep your hips open in the direction the ball is coming from. Place the receiving part in the path of the ball. Relax the muscles in that part of the body, and cushion the ball. When you are cushioning, slightly withdraw your body in the opposite direction that you are carrying the ball.

How to practice driving

The easiest way to practice driving is with another player. He can throw the ball to you with his hands or by kicking it. After handling the ball, you must pass it to him again. Driving can also be practiced against a wall. Just stand 10 feet (2-3 meters) from the wall and kick the ball against it.

You must receive / control it when it bounces. This drill gives you the opportunity to also work on your kicking and handling technique. As you get used to it, try to use both feet and begin to lift the ball.

Gary Fixter - Different management methods

• Internal part of the foot: Your supporting foot should be located 45-90 degrees from the path of the ball. Rest your full weight on this foot and catch the ball with the arch of your foot. At the moment of contact, cushion the ball by moving your foot in the same direction the ball was carrying. Instead of controlling the ball you may want to redirect it. To do this, simply rotate your receiving foot in the desired direction.

• Outside of the foot: This technique is useful when the ball is passing in front of you from one side to the other. Instead of turning your body according to the trajectory, you can control it using this technique. Simply stretch your foot into the path of the ball and intercept it with the outside of your foot. That will work well considering that the outside of your foot has a large surface area.

• Sole of the Foot: Simply place your foot on the ball with the ball of your foot slightly elevated. Due to the speed of the modern game, sole control is rarely applied to driving passes. However, it is useful for dribbling. Players use it to stop the ball before changing direction or incorporating it into more elaborate moves.

• Instep: This technique is useful when the ball is landing at you from a steep angle. While keeping your eyes on the ball, quickly move into its path so that you don't have to stretch too far to control it. Balance your weight on one supporting leg while cushioning the ball with your other leg. Before the ball hits, straighten the ankle of your control leg (like a ballerina) while relaxing the muscles of the same leg. The ball must be controlled with the top of the foot. At the moment of contact, withdraw your control foot by bending the ankle and knee. This should bring the ball down right in front of you.

• Thigh: The thigh is especially useful in soccer when one is controlling the ball. Redirecting the ball to the other side or to oneself is somewhat difficult when using the thigh. Cushioning the ball with the thigh can be done for both rising and falling balls. The hard part is getting settled before you control the ball. When you have lined up so that the ball is within reach, place your thigh in the path of the ball and step back when the ball arrives. If you don't back off, the ball will just bounce off you. The contact surface you should use is the area above your knee, mid-thigh. The inside of your thigh is good for stopping balls flying at you.

• Chest: The chest provides the largest area to control or receive a ball. When using it for driving, stretch your hands and flex your muscles. To cushion the ball you will need to arch your back a little. You may also need to bend your knees or jump in order to align your chest with the height of the ball.

• Head: Adjust your body as if you were going to head the ball. Instead of heading the ball, simply intercept its path using the front surface of your head just below the start of the hair. Just before making contact, turn your head in the direction you want the ball to go (catch). If you just want to pass the ball to your feet (control) do turn your head, instead bend your legs and lean your upper body forward.