How to Teach Basic Soccer Techniques

Step Trap

The basic techniques of soccer can be taught to just about anyone. The world's most popular sport is partly that because it's so accessible. It is not necessary to be a member of a top national team to play the game. By learning some of the basic techniques of soccer, it is possible to not only have some fun, but to have an impact on the game.

Instructions

Trapping the Ball

1. 

   Teach your players how to trap the ball using the bottom of their foot. This is called a step trap. Give the players a ball, one for each. Have them drop, not spike, the ball and step on it with the bottom of their foot. Players should concentrate on stepping on the ball quickly to stop the ball, but not by slamming their foot on top. Also, each foot should be able to rest on the ball for a moment or two without lifting off to work on balance. Repeat with players in pairs throwing the ball to each other to trap.

2. 

   Instruct your players how to trap with the inside of the foot next. With players still in pairs, have them softly roll or gently kick the ball to their partners. Using the inside of either foot, the player should lift this foot off the ground a couple of inches, turn it perpendicular to the other foot and block the ball from rolling past the player. Players should work to stop the ball so it does not bounce away more than a foot in front of them.

3. 

   Trap the ball next with the thigh. Give each player a ball. Raise one leg so the thigh is horizontal. Drop the ball onto the thigh and then catch it. Do it again, but this time raise the thigh slightly just as the ball hits to make the ball bounce up, then again catch it. Repeat this step but instead of catching it let the ball fall to the ground and step trap it. After this, pair up players and have them gently throw the ball to each other. The receiver must hit the ball once with the thigh followed by a step trap. All of the above can be repeated using the inside of the thigh this time through. It is important to explain to players that the when utilizing a thigh trap the ball should not be struck with the knee but with the soft area of the quadriceps, mid-thigh.

4. Control the ball using the chest trap next. Explain that there are two basic ways to chest trap a ball. First, when the ball is high in the air. Second, when the ball comes at a player in more of a line drive. Start with the first. Tell players that when the ball comes to them from high up they must lean backwards at the waist forming a slight angle with their chest. When the ball strikes the body, this will cause it to pop up slightly. By doing this players keep the ball closer to the body and less likely to be stolen by an opponent. The reverse is true for the line drive ball. In this case, have the player lean forward slightly. This will cause the ball to drop at the players feet. Pair up players and have them take turns throwing the ball to each other.

Passing and Shooting

1. 

   Learn to pass the ball as the next step. With players still in pairs, have them stand five yards apart with one ball between them, as in the prior exercise. The passer should place one foot to the side of the ball a few inches. Point the toe in the general direction that the ball will be passed. The other foot should be turned perpendicular to this foot, raised off the ground a few inches, drawn back, and swung like a pendulum straight through the center of the ball. This is called passing with the instep of the foot. The player receiving the pass will trap the ball using the inside of the foot then set up for her pass. Encourage players to start slowly and try to reach ten passes without a miss.

2. 

   Begin shooting drills by using the instep of the foot. The motion is essentially the same as the passing technique above with one slight change. Demonstrate to players the angle of approach. Step straight back from the ball a few steps, then to the side a couple of steps (not unlike a field goal kicker does in football). Run slowly towards the ball and plant the foot your not kicking with next to the ball a few inches. Your kicking foot should be sideways and strike just below the middle of the ball. Do this portion with the ball in a stationary position to get the mechanics down.

3. 

   Use the inside of the laces for a slightly more advanced kick. Using the same method as in Step 2, slowly run up to the ball but instead of striking the ball with the instep, use the inner portion of the top of the foot, just off center of the laces. To create more lift with the ball plant your non-kicking foot slightly behind the ball. To keep the ball lower, keep this foot next to the ball. Additionally, striking the ball low with your kicking foot will cause the ball to lift. Striking it higher and keeping your knee over the ball on impact will keep it lower. Be careful not to kick the ground.

Dribbling

1. Spend some time teaching your players to dribble the ball, as this is probably the toughest of the skills mentioned so far and will take the most time to master. Each player will need a ball. Demonstrate that proper dribbling technique relies first and foremost on where to touch the ball with the foot. Use the top of the foot, with the toe pointed down, to push the ball along. The ball should actually touch the outer portion of the laces, just off center. Have players attempt this in a simple straight line using one foot for 20 yards. Then return using the other foot. Then again using both feet alternately the whole way.

2. Emphasize the importance of paying attention to the field around the player as the next step in learning to dribble. Once players have Step 1 under control, explain to them that they always need to know what is happening around them. If their noses are always on the ball they will never see their opponents coming and will invariably lose the ball. Begin this step by having them dribble the ball as long as they can without looking down. Then again allowing them to look down but flash hand signals and see if they catch them. For example, Every few seconds, hold up one, two or three fingers and see if they can call them out while still dribbling towards you. Try this again but this time don't walk in a straight line.

3. Focus on moving laterally on the dribble, as this uses a different part of the foot. The instep is mainly used here (as is the outer portion of the foot). Have five players stand in a line three yards apart. The others line up five yards away, each with a ball. One at a time, have the players dribble through the line of five players attempting not to lose the ball or bump into anyone. In this portion, players will need to alternate between using the inside of both feet to navigate through. If the ball is lost, explain they must regain control, by using a step trap, and continuing until finished. Rotate the players so everyone has a a few chances.

Tips & Warnings

• One of the best ways to see how the game is played is by watching a match. Many television stations air professional matches and this can really help narrow your methods of teaching. Even better, watch a game live. Be patient and keep things slow early on. Gradually increase speed as your players master the exercises.

• Soccer can be strenuous and all players should have some measure of fitness before playing.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish