Athletics & Wellness
Grade 7
15 min
Ball Mastery & First Touch
Control the ball with different surfaces of the foot.
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1
Let's Get Started!
Welcome, player! Ball mastery is all about feeling comfortable and in control with the soccer ball at your feet. Before we begin, make sure you do a quick warm-up, like jogging in place or doing some leg swings, to get your body ready to move.
2
What's a First Touch?
Your 'first touch' is the very first time you touch the ball when it comes to you from a pass. A great first touch calms the ball down and puts it exactly where you want it for your next move. This skill helps you keep the ball close and makes you a more confident player.
3
Use All Parts of Your Foot
Your feet have many different surfaces to control the ball! Use the inside of your foot for simple control and passes. Use the outside of your foot to push the ball in a new direction. You can even use the sole (bottom) of your foot to stop the ball or roll it.
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Challenging
You are about to receive a pass. You see a teammate making a run into open space to your left, but a defender is blocking a direct pass. Your first touch should ideally move the ball...
0.Backwards, towards your own goal.
1.Straight up into the air.
2.Slightly to your right, to create a new passing angle to your teammate.
3.As far away as possible.
Challenging
In a fast game, you don't have time to consciously think, 'I will use the inside of my foot now.' How do repetitive ball mastery drills help solve this problem?
0.They make your shoes smarter.
1.They make your muscles and brain learn the movements so they become automatic.
2.They teach you how to ask the coach for help during the game.
3.They don't help; you must think about every touch.
Easy
When a coach talks about using different 'surfaces' of your foot, what are they referring to?
0.The top, bottom, and sides of your shoe
1.How clean your shoes are
2.The color of your socks
3.How fast you can run
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