Good ball control is super important in football. If you get better at things like your touch, how you dribble, and keeping the ball close, you’ll feel way more sure of yourself out there, no matter if you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for years. Being able to control the ball well can really assist you keep hold of it, make room for yourself, and make smarter choices when you’re playing.
Here are 10 football drills that can help you get better ball control. You can do them by yourself or with someone else. I’ll go through each one step by step so it’s easy to get, tell you why it’s good for you, and point out the usual slip-ups to watch out so you don’t do them.
1. Cone Dribbling
How to Do It:
- Put 6-10 cones in a line, about a meter apart.
- Dribble the ball through the cones. Use both feet.
- Keep the ball near to your feet and go around the cones while keeping it managed.
Benefits:
- Makes your dribbling better.
- Improves your shot control when space is tight.
Common Mistakes:
- Kicking the ball too far ahead.
- Only ever using their best foot.
2. Toe Taps
How to Do It:
- Stand still, with the ball on the floor in front of you.
- Tap the top of the ball with the bottom of your feet, switching feet super fast.
- Keep your knees a little bent and relax.
Benefits:
- Get your feet moving faster.
- Makes your touch and how you move better.
Common Mistakes:
- Leaning too far forward or back.
- Not glancing up now and then to see what’s around.
3. Inside-Outside Dribble
How to Do It:
- Dribble the ball using the inside of your foot, and switch to the outside real quick.
- Keep doing this as you move forward in a straight line.
Benefits:
- Makes your feet more bendy and improves your touch.
- Helps you change direction quickly in games.
Common Mistakes:
- Going too fast and losing control.
- Just trying to go fast instead of making good touches.
4. Wall Pass and Control
How to Do It:
- Go find a wall.
- Kick the ball against the wall and control it when it bounces back.
- Switch feet and try to control it with your first touch.
Benefits:
- Makes your first touch and ball-grabbing skills better.
- Lets you get some passing and control done even if someone’s hassling you.
Common Mistakes:
- Kicking the ball too hard, so you can´t control it.
- Standing still – keep moving.
5. Step-Over and Go Drill
How to Do It:
- Dribble towards a cone.
- Do a step-over to trick someone into thinking you’re going one way, and then go the other way fast.
- Switch feet.
Benefits:
- Helps you trick people and fake them out.
- Makes you more confident when you’re facing someone one-on-one.
Common Mistakes:
- Slowing far too down before to do the move.
- Not going at a good speed after the step-over.
6. L-Shape Drag Back Drill
How to Do It:
- Start with the ball right in front of you.
- Use the bottom of your foot to drag the ball back, and push it to the side (so it makes an L shape).
- Do it again with both feet.
Benefits:
- Teaches you to turn quickly.
- Helps you keep the ball safe and turn far from defenders.
Common Mistakes:
- Not looking up when they’re doing the drill.
- Not dragging very well , messing up control.
7. Juggling (Keepy-Uppies)
How to Do It:
- Kick the ball up in the air and try not to let it hit the ground.
- Use your feet, legs, and head.
- Begin with targets like 10 juggles and go up gradually.
Benefits:
- Makes your touch and feel for the ball better.
- Makes you think more and control your body better.
Common Mistakes:
- Kicking too high or hard.
- Just using one foot – switch between them.
8. Figure 8 Dribble
How to Do It:
- Put two cones a few meters apart.
- Dribble around the cones in a figure 8, using both feet.
- Try to turn tightly and keep the ball managed.
Benefits:
- Get your ball control good, fast changes of direction too.
- Make both your feet strong.
Common Mistakes:
- Trying to go top rate before control is under control.
- Relying on the stronger foot a lot.
9. One-Touch Passing with Partner
How to Do It:
- Stand a few meters away from someone.
- Pass the ball back and forth, but only touch it once.
- Begin slowly, and then go faster.
Benefits:
- Makes you decide quickly.
- Makes your first touch sharper when someone’s putting you under pressure.
Common Mistakes:
- Standing flat-footed – always be ready.
- Not standing well, so your touches are bad.
10. Around the World (Ball Mastery)
How to Do It:
- Move the ball around your standing foot in a circle, touching it quickly.
- Use the inside, outside, and bottom of your foot.
Benefits:
- Helps you master the ball and get better at controlling it with your feet.
- Makes you more coordinated and gets your feet moving faster.
Common Mistakes:
- Going too quick and falling over.
- Thinking about speed instead of going smooth.
Some quick thoughts to get better Ball Control
- Begin Slow, Then Speed Up:
Do the drills slowly until you get the hang of it. Then speed will come.
- Use Both Feet:
Try to use both your good foot and your weaker foot. It’ll make you a better player.
- Look Up Now and Then:
Try glancing up while you’re moving the ball. It’ll help you know what’s happening in the game.
- Keep at It:
Even if you just practice for 20 minutes every day, you’ll see a difference in a few weeks.
Things People Usually Get Wrong Across All Drills
- Thinking about speed, and not control.
- Ignoring their weak foot.
- Not standing up straight (knees bent, back straight).
- Not warming up, which can make you get hurt.
Get Your Touch Right, Play Great
Ball control is mega important in football. These 10 drills will help you get a better touch, dribble smoother, and react quicker in the game. Whether you’re just starting or you’re experienced, getting your skills right and keeping at it will make you a great player.
Keep in mind, it’s not about how fast you do the drills – it’s about how well you control the ball. Get good at the easy stuff, and your game will get better on its own.