SOCCER TIP # 1:

CONTROLLING THE BALL WITH YOUR CHEST

Article by Russell

This week I am going to teach you how to control the ball with your chest. There are two different ways of controlling the ball with your chest. The semi-control or playing the ball to your feet

First I will teach you how to play the ball to your feet. This technique is good to use if you have space to control the ball.

• Set yourself into a slightly-crouching position.
• Next, stick out your chest and watch the ball come towards you.
• Then as you feel the ball hit your chest pull your chest towards you. This technique will help you cradle the ball making it fall to your feet.
• Next the semi-control technique. First you want to get into the slightly-crouching position.
• Next wait till the ball is about to hit your chest to puff out your chest. Remember to judge the flight of the ball so you can puff out your chest. Puffing out your chest
  creates a flat surface to pop the ball into the air.
• Then following with a volley or turn with the ball and screen it from the defender.

You can practice controlling the ball with your chest alone or with a friend. If alone, toss the ball in the air trying to play it to your feet and then working on the tougher 'semi-control' move. With a friend, one person can juggle the ball then pop it up in the air for the other to play the ball with his chest.This will add speed and angle to the ball.

Take the challenge...

Try juggling the ball then pop it up and control it with your chest. Both techniques can he used.

About Russell...

Russell lives in St. John Parish. He is the contributing reporter of SOCCER TIPS in the sports section of St. John Parish. He attends Brother Martin High School in New Orleans and he plays soccer for the Lafreniere Select Program. He has been playing soccer for the past eight years and is still going strong.

If you have any questions or comments please send an e-mail to Russell c/o sports@eastjeffersonparish.com.