Ball control: One of the keys to winning matches

By David Clarke

Simple passing, one-twos, calling out numbers or names, turning to receive and pass are actions taken by players in every single match. If you can get your players to be efficient in the art of simple ball control you are on your way to having a successful team.

You can use this set up with all your age groups - you just need to get them doing it a faster speeds to make it harder for the older ages. You will quickly find the level of your players and you can make them speed up once they have got the hang of it.

Using the set up in the diagram, mark out a square around 15 yards x 15 yards vary it depending on the age of the players.

In this game player 1 passes to the centre player and calls the name of one of the remaining players. The centre player must control and pass to the player nominated by the passer - he shouts the name before passing. In this case number 3

Player 3 controls and plays the ball back into the centre player, nominating a next player to pass to. The central player controls, turns and passes to the nominated player (4) who in turn controls and passes back to the centre.

Play for a set time and rotate so that each player has a turn as the centre player.

Tell your players to vary angle of the pass to the receiver so that he has to use both feet, and at different heights so he uses different parts of the body. Get your passers to use different angles so the players concentrate on controlling the ball and putting both the ball and themselves into a position where they can make the pass.

Key coaching tips:

• Vary speed, height and angle of pass;
• Vary space between players to increase difficulty;
• Try restricting the player in the middle to use his weaker foot for controlling and passing.