To be successful in soccer, a player must learn to control the soccer ball. Proper trapping techniques are important for a player to achieve this control of the soccer ball. Trapping techniques use the feet to catch the soccer ball while maintaining control.
Instructions
1. Prepare to trap the soccer ball. Bend both legs and step back with the foot that is farthest away from the nearest defender.
2. Judge the speed at which the soccer ball is approaching. The faster the speed, the quicker the player must react to the ball, because if the ball gets too far into the player's body they will lose control of the soccer ball.
3. Make contact on the soccer ball with trapping foot. Meet the soccer ball with the trapping foot about at the mid-point of the player's stance. Be sure the foot stops just prior to contact with the ball or the player may lose control of the soccer ball.
4. Catch or trap the soccer ball by drawing the foot back after the initial contact. Use the middle part of the inside of the foot to catch the soccer ball. Softly draw the foot back and cradle it inside the trapping foot. The soccer ball should barely move once trapped provided the player uses the trapping technique correctly.
5. Move the non-trapping foot to the side of the soccer ball to protect against any defenders in the area.
