Soccer Basics #5

  In this post I will be talking about how to properly pass the ball and how to properly control a ball either from the ground or from the air.

    Passing

• Push Pass: This is the most basic type of pass in soccer. First you plant your weak foot about 2 inches away from the ball pointing where you want the ball to go and strike the ball with the inside of your foot in the direction.
• Chip Pass: This type of pass is one of the more difficult ones. When doing a chip pass you must plant your weak foot, exactly like every other pass, get your other foot under the ball, lean back a little, and hit the ball with the part of your foot between your toes and the inside of your foot, used for free and corner kicks.
• Wall Pass: A wall pass requires two passes with another teammate to get around a defender. First you pass to a teammate that is to the side of at a 45 degree angle, then you will run forward around the defender and then your teammate will pass the ball back to you.
• Long Pass: A long pass is just like a push pass but with more power on the ball. This type of pass can be used to relieve some pressure from the defense or to put a forward through to the goal.
• Back-Heel Pass: This pass requires more skill than most of the other passes. While doing a heel pass you won't actually be looking at the teammate you are passing to. Make sure you know where your teammate is, put the ball a little behind you, and hit the ball with the heel of your good foot.

   Controlling the Ball

• When a ball is passed to you on the ground make sure your feet are well planted and there are  no defenders that could potentially could get the ball. Never control the ball coming to you with the underneath of your shoe as this will leave you more exposed. Control the ball with the inside of your foot like a pillow.
• When controlling a ball make sure what your next move/pass as this will put you a step ahead of the defenders, "Always know what you are going to do with the ball..." (Stewart 59).
• When a ball is coming out of the air, you have multiple ways to control the ball.
• When the ball is coming out of the air, to control the ball with your foot let the ball fall onto your laces to act as a pillow.
• With your thigh, put it at a 90 degree angle and let the ball fall onto it.
• With your chest, lean back a little and again, let the ball onto your chest and then either control the ball from your thigh or your foot from there.

 If you have an questions please leave it in the comments below.

 Stewart, Gail B. Soccer. Lucent Books, 2001