Improve your soccer ball control with these drills

If you want to improve your soccer ball control and overall soccer ball skills, consistent practice is key. Using the right training equipment and techniques can help you master the ball and become a more confident player on the field.

Here are proven ways to improve your ball control in soccer—from drills to tools and science-backed training insights.

Tips for soccer ball control

Every great soccer player started by learning how to control a soccer ball under different conditions. You can develop your coordination, precision, and speed by following these ball soccer training tips:

1. Change your pace

Varying your dribbling speed helps you stay unpredictable to defenders. Practicing ball control soccer drills with changing pace will train your body to adjust quickly. According to ScienceDirect research, variation in rhythm enhances both reaction and motor control.

2. Protect the ball using your body

Shielding is essential to maintain possession. When a defender approaches, use your body to control the soccer ball and protect it with your far foot.

3. Keep the ball close to your feet

Keeping the ball near your feet improves your soccer controlling the ball precision. Defenders will find it harder to steal possession when you minimize distance. Check UEFA’s technical training materials for control-focused drills.

4. Use both feet

To learn ball control effectively, practice with both feet. This balance allows smoother transitions during play and enhances performance. Use the ROX training system to improve coordination between your dominant and non-dominant sides.

5. Juggle for better coordination

Juggling is one of the best drills to master the ball and improve coordination. It develops rhythm and helps with reaction training.

6. Use a rebounder

Practicing with a soccer rebounder is a powerful way to improve soccer ball control. It strengthens your passing accuracy and first touch. The RebounderPro and RebounderGo both support exercises that simulate real match reactions.

Key skills to master

Improving your soccer ball skills means developing precision in different aspects of the game. Start with simple control soccer ball drills, then progress toward dynamic combinations involving agility and awareness. Here are core skills to refine:

Passing and first touch

Passing and first-touch control are vital in mastering ball control. Practice using a rebounder and focus on how you receive the ball. Learn from The Coaches’ Voice breakdowns on passing under pressure for insights from professional trainers.

Dribbling

Dribbling helps you move past defenders with ease. Use ROXPro lights to enhance awareness while performing ball soccer training drills. Studies by MDPI Sensors confirm that dual-task drills enhance spatial and cognitive control.

Best drills to improve ball control in soccer

These are some of the best soccer ball control drills available in A-Champs’ free app. Practice daily to improve your first touch and soccer ball training consistency.

Pass, Receive, and Shoot with One Rebounder

Pass to the rebounder, control the return, and shoot in one fluid motion. This helps develop ball control soccer and agility.

Dribble, Pass, and Receive with Two Rebounders

Set two rebounders apart and use cones in between. This helps you train soccer controlling the ball while multitasking. Alternate between left and right foot depending on the ROXProX light signal.

Pass, Receive, and Roll Drill

This exercise enhances your soccer ball skills under movement pressure. Roll the ball across your body before returning the pass. Keep your ankle firm and focus on timing.

Enhance your soccer ball control under pressure

Practicing soccer ball control under pressure helps simulate real match scenarios. Use the A-Champs rebounder collection to combine passing, reaction lights, and quick turns.

A-Champs: helping players master the ball

A-Champs helps you learn how to control a soccer ball effectively with smart rebounders, lights, and cognitive drills. Explore our guides on reaction training, training tools, agility training, soccer drills, and decision-making to master your game.