Having good control techniques will greatly benefit your game. Control techniques are the foundation of soccer. Players with poor control often lose the ball easily, make slow decisions, and ultimately disrupt the team's play.
To ensure your team doesn't lose points, mastering ball control techniques is essential. In this article, you'll learn the different types of ball control techniques and how to practice them.
What is Control Technique in Football?
Control in soccer is the ability to control the ball when receiving a pass. Essentially, ball control is how you hold, direct, and position the ball.
You can use any part of your body (as long as it doesn't violate soccer rules) to control the ball. Your first touch will determine whether the ball stays close enough for a pass or even a shot, or whether it bounces away and you lose your momentum.
The first touch is crucial for both offense and defense. When attacking, good control allows you to play quickly. One touch sets up the ball, the next one executes it. When defending, good control allows you to secure the ball during opponent pressure and reduces the risk of losing it in dangerous areas.
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Good ball control is key to determining the tempo of the game. If you have good control, the game is in your hands. You can speed up or slow down the game as needed. But if your control is poor, it's a recipe for disaster.
What are the types of ball control techniques?
1. Inside Foot Control
Controlling the ball with the inside of the foot is the most common and stable technique, especially for beginners. Because the inside of the foot is wider, it's easier to keep the ball from bouncing away.
This technique also helps you maintain the tempo of the game, as the first touch is usually more focused and easier to control. This technique is especially suitable for short passes and fast-paced situations in tight spaces.
Once the ball arrives, simply point the inside of your foot toward it, relax your ankle, and then gently dampen the ball so it stops near you. Then, pass it to a teammate.
2. Outside Foot Control
Controlling the ball with the outside of your foot is a crucial technique for quickly changing direction without having to turn your body too much. When the ball comes your way, you block and direct it with the outside of your foot, then immediately continue dribbling or passing in the direction you want.
This technique makes your movements feel lighter and more responsive, especially when you need to get out of a tight spot. It's also great when you're under pressure from an opponent, as you can divert the ball to a safer side with a quick, quick touch.
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3. Control the ball with the instep
Controlling the ball with the instep is used when the ball is coming at you quickly and you need a secure, non-freakish touch. This technique helps you "contain" the ball's speed with the wider surface of your foot, preventing it from bouncing too far.
This control technique is commonly used when receiving a strong pass or a loose ball that requires quick control. With this technique, you can speed up your offensive transition. Once you've controlled the ball, you can immediately move on to dribbling, passing, or shooting without needing additional touches that slow down the tempo.
4. Control with the soles of your feet
Sole control is a technique for stopping the ball in place by pressing the ball with the sole of the foot. This technique is very common in futsal because the pitch is small, the tempo is fast, and you often need to brake suddenly before passing or changing direction.
Sole control is useful when receiving the ball in crowded situations or near opponents, as it makes the ball more secure and allows you to shift slightly to find space. The key to sole control is maintaining knee balance and feeling the ball.
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5. Control with the Chest
Chest control is used for high balls coming from high passes. This technique will cushion the ball so it descends in the desired direction. This technique helps you control the ball more quickly without having to wait for it to fall to your feet.
This will improve your game and give you more time to make decisions. The key is to keep the ball close to your body. As the ball approaches, maintain a stable posture, with your chest slightly forward. Then, pull your chest back slightly as the ball makes contact to absorb its force.
| Duration | Drill | Focus | Example Exercises |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | Wall Pass | Passing accuracy + first touch | 50–80 repetitions. Focus: 1-touch control, then pass back. Variations: 1 minute right leg, 1 minute left leg, alternating. |
| 5 minutes | Control & Dribble | Close control + change of direction | Zigzag dribble between 5–8 cones/markers. Each time you turn around, take 3–5 short touches, then sprint for 2 steps. |
| 5 minutes | Bounce Ball Exercise | Top ball control + timing | Throw the ball yourself/bounce it against a wall. Control it with your thighs/chest, then lower it to your feet (don't bounce it too far). |
| 5 minutes | Mini Games | Skill application + decision making | Challenge: 10 passes to the wall without missing, or dribble for 30 seconds without leaving the area (using the line/marker boundary). |
Let's Start Practicing Ball Control Techniques Now!
Ball control is the foundation of almost all soccer techniques. Good control allows you to make quicker decisions, stay calmer when pressured, and improve your play. Conversely, poor control can lead to losing possession, wasting momentum, and making your team work harder.
To improve your game, master several types of control depending on the situation. Control with the sole of the foot (quick stop), the inside (safest for follow-up passes), the instep (for fast, flat balls), the thigh and chest (for high balls), and even directional control.
Practice regularly and consistently, even if it's only 10-15 minutes per session, it's far better than no practice at all. With regular practice, you can improve your first touch, enhance your control, and enhance your game quality.
