How to Develop Trapping Skills in Youth Soccer Players

Trapping is the process of receiving a soccer ball. Trapping can be done with various parts of the body, such as the thigh, chest or sole of the foot.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soccer Balls
• Soccer balls

1. Encourage the player to use various body parts to get the ball under control.

2. Toss the ball at various heights to facilitate use of various body parts.

3. Be aware that the higher the ball, the more difficult it is to control.

4. Isolate skills. Practice one trap at a time until a player feels confident in mixing them up.

5. Start simple. Master the feet or thighs before moving on.

6. Focus on absorbing and cushioning the ball.

7. Maintain balance with the arms out to the sides at the moment of contact.

8. Practice chest traps with both boys and girls. Sometimes girls need confidence to use this skill.

9. Be patient. Trapping is a more advanced soccer skill.

Tips & Warnings

• Be willing to help. You do not need a soccer background to play with a child.
• Be enthusiastic. If you show an interest, a child will want to work with you.
• Suggest, don't insist. Parents should practice only if children are interested and enthusiastic.
• Use positive encouragement. Tell children what they do right, and how they may do even better. Avoid negative criticism.
• Learn some games and exercises. You can do this by reading books or by watching your child in practice.
• Integrate skills into daily life. Use opportunities such as waiting at the school bus stop or playing in the backyard to practice skills.
• Watch experienced players or professional games together. Discuss trapping and ball control with the child.
• Find a mentor. An older player (or sibling) makes for a good threesome, or even twosome. You can also learn by watching.

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on 11/22/2005 As a soccer player, I know that trapping the ball can be troublesome both in the game and durning practice. Try to have your players eliminate the fear of being hurt by the ball. My coach always tells me that fear hinders your skills. Let your players understand how the ball reacts to being trapped by certain parts of the body and at different speeds and angles. For example, a ball trapped by a fleshy part of the body (like the inner thigh) may not bounce as far away from you as it would if it was trapped by the chest.

on 11/22/2005 When kicking the ball on spot (meaning that the ball is not moving), a simple way of lining up your shot and getting that curve is to aim for the outside of the ball. If your ball is the type with the traditional hexagon patchwork, simply aim for the last visible hexagon. Approach the ball at an angle. Keep your body turned to that angle and swing your leg in that direction. To understand this, simply position yourself at your angle of attack, then point your arm directly in front of you. Keep your arm up, and when you kick the ball make sure your leg follows the path of your arm and your foot makes contact with the ball on the right spot. Make sure that your angle isn't too extreme. Approaching the ball from the side is much more difficult than if your angle is more behind it. Also make sure that even though you're attacking the ball at an angle and kicking at an angle, you are forcing the ball forward.

on 11/22/2005 Use for players 4-8. Fill water balloons. Explain balloon is like egg that we don't want broken. Have child trap with thigh/chest without breaking balloon, encouraging them to bring balloon to ground without breaking.