How to Trap a Soccer Ball With Your Foot

The better control you have of the ball, the more likely you are to make the big play.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soccer Balls
• Soccer balls

Trap a Ball Rolling on the Ground

1. Lift your foot several inches off the ground.

2. Point your toes up.

3. Stop the ball with the bottom of your foot.

Trap a Bouncing Ball

4. Judge where the ball will hit the ground nearest to you.

5. Move to that spot.

6. Turn your foot sideways.

7. Lift your foot slightly off the ground.

8. Touch the ball with your instep just as the ball hits the ground.

9. Let the backspin on the ball roll the ball toward you.

Tips & Warnings

• Judging where and how the ball will bounce takes time to learn. Be patient.
• A good trap means you gained control of the ball. It doesn't have to look pretty.
• Practice trapping the ball by kicking it against a wall.
• If you have any condition that would impair or limit your ability to engage in physical activity, please consult a physician before attempting this activity. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 1/26/2006 A good reminder is to let the ball knock your foot out of the way. If you hold your foot rigid, the ball will bounce off just as well as if it had hit the ground. Your foot should get pushed down and out of the way, so the ball ends up on the ground and your foot absorbs the energy.

on 12/9/2005 Aerial spinballs can complicate trapping quite a bit. A ball spinning toward you (forward spin) should be taken by moving the foot gently backward, and backward spins should be taken by using only the upper foot. Side spins should be sandwiched between foot and ground when possible, or flicked mildly upward to thigh height, neutralizing the spin in both cases.

on 11/22/2005 Try to keep your foot relaxed so it absorbs the shock.

on 11/22/2005 Before the ball makes contact with your foot, move your foot slightly backwards to increase your chances of keeping the ball in front of you.