Developing confidence and control

[Murakai]

This is my first time posting here, so sorry if I repeated the topic or for anything else. Anyway, I'm 16 years old trying out for the Varsity soccer team of my school. At this point in time, I'm at a significant disadvantage when compared to other players: 1) I never really developed a passion for soccer when I was young, and 2) I've had one less year of experience compared to the other players at my school (didn't make jv freshman year). I'm a defender that has pretty much his position and tactics under my belt, but I lack both confidence and control. Seeing that I'm trying out for a varsity team, those are some of the two largest skills that the coach will look for. I've already tried freestyling (and am doing fine), as well as other simple methods to try to improve my control. I was just wondering if anyone could give me tips on how to dramatically improve their control over the ball in a short amount of time. I'm not talking about a miracle drill or anything, but something that will reward a 100% effort with 100% improvement. Right now, I've just started dribbling through cones about a hundred times (50/50 left and right) per day. I mean, is there something else that's more effective?

[DJK]

FREESTYLE
FREESTYLE
FREESTYLE ;)

[a;sdlfkjas;df]

take a tennis ball. roll it around your house. start bare-footed, move to sock, and then move to shoe. it'll maximize your time on the ball

also doubles as a strength training aid for your forearms. pick it up and squeeze it repeatedly

[Hueydabest]

Freestyle soccer helps with touch and control a lot.

Another suggestion is that you scrimmage or play 1 on 1 with people who are better than you and

learn from them. Basically, just play small goals or something with them and you'll see your control

and touch improve a lot. The reason this happens is because when you play with people who are better

than you, over time your skill will be at their level and even surpass them if you practice. Playing with

others gives you a big confidence boost once you get used to the game.

[Adi]

You'd be surprised how much confidence matters when it comes to having a good touch.  If you believe and don't second guess yourself every time you touch it, you'll be smooth on the ball.

It always helps to put yourself in the right positions on the field at the beginning of games/practices.  Get a few simple passes and touches in, so you can feel good about yourself and boost your confidence.  Then, gradually, move on and be more aggressive. 

Not that you play in midfield or anything, but a great tip is to pull yourself back a bit if you play in the center of the park.  As an attacking mid for example, you'll find yourself in much tighter spaces than a defensive mid normally would.  If you are having a rough time in a game, especially if playing as one of the two center mids, come back for the ball a bit more and collect the easy passes from your defenders.  Ping the ball around a bit and get comfortable after a rough start, then start pushing up the field where you will find yourself more challenged as the spacing becomes tighter and the pressure increases.  Your touch will become ever so important at this point, but you'll be more confident since you've had some good touches in previous possessions.

[DanTheMan]

okey heres a tip...
get your football and bring it everywhere, kicking it around randomly... then go to a big-ass wall, and kick it repeatedly off the wall and when it comes back to you, control it and kick it back again... its so so so simple
in a few days your touch, and also your kicking technique will improve a lot
fuck all this coaching shit they try to teach you, ball-wall is the best

[Hueydabest]

Ball-wall is good for touch, but for confidence you need to play with other people.

Just grab a friend and ask to play 1 on 1, keep at it till you get used to being under pressure.

Oh, a good tip is distance. Learn what the right distance is to do a fake then burn the opponent.

After finding out the right distance it'll be EASY to burn anyone, it works wonders. Good luck with your soccer career.

[Murakai]

Alright, thanks for the tips!

[Danny012]

Hey :hello:,

you can also go through the soccer coaching web, there might be some tips for you

http://www.bettersoccercoaching.com


Good luck!