When watching soccer, you may have noticed that when a ball is approaching a soccer player they react by kicking it as far away as possible. Well this is so especially when they are under attack by an opponent.  What is interesting is that after they have kicked it as far away as possible they run after it knowing which direction it is headed. Some may think that this is magic but the trick is simply that they have gained complete ball control and the ball responds to the direction that they want.

Agility and ball control are some important things that you must learn to play a soccer game. One of the famous soccer players of all time Pelé from Brazil once said that for you to learn how to control the ball you have to treat it like a human being, that is with respect and understanding.

For you to play the game well and get better at it, you need to gain control of the ball. The more ball control you have the better you will be at the game.  This article should help you to balance a soccer ball on your foot. It is an impressive trick, which you will love to show off to your friends.

What you need

• Soccer ball.
• Shin guards.
• Cleats.

Instructions

• Place the ball on the base of your foot. Choose the foot that you are dominant with to start. In most people, this is the right foot. Once you have mastered control of the ball on your dominant foot switch to the other foot.

• To start, roll the ball on to the base of your foot, once the ball touches your foot, pull your foot backwards making the ball to spin. Return your foot quickly under the ball so it does not fall to the ground.

• You will need to arch your ankle to create a cradle between your shin and the base of you foot.

• Taking swift movements raise your foot from the ground and balance the soccer ball on the cradle.

• Extend your foot once more such that it is parallel to the ground.

• Gain a balance of the ball on to your foot and try to maintain it there as long as possible.

The more you practicing the above procedure the more skilled you will get to become. You can try other tricks once you have mastered this effectively.

Remember that for you to control the ball, you will need to have a profound relationship with the ball. Not literally, of course but, but you should handle the ball with gentleness and sensitivity and for sure, it will do as you wish.

Soccer requires energetic and physically well players to participate in the game. Just like other outdoor sports, it requires a lot of discipline and control over the ball. A soccer player has to gain control over his body and the ball to make him a successful athlete who can move around the field with greater agility. It is best to start with learning how to balance a soccer ball on your foot. When you can balance a ball on your foot, it is not only impressive for the athletes but also for those who simply know the trick.

To learn this trick, you will need a soccer ball, a flat surface (a driveway or field), shin guards and cleats when available. How the trick is done:

Step 1: Lay the soccer ball at the base of your feet in front of you.

Step 2: Decide which foot you’re going to use to balance the ball. You can use the foot you are more comfortable with. You will have greater control with your dominant foot and try doing it on the other foot when you’ve mastered it on the dominant one.

Step 3: Roll the ball up on your foot then place your foot loosely above the soccer ball. Create a backspin by pulling your foot backwards in a swift motion and simultaneously move your foot under the ball.

Step 4: Arch your ankle upwards to create a little cradle in between the shin and the end of your foot.

Step 5: Raise your foot slowly from the ground while carefully balancing the soccer ball in between the cradle.

Step 6: Extend your foot slowly until you make it parallel to the ground.

Step 7: Balance the ball on your foot and hold it there as long as you can. You have balanced the soccer ball on your foot!

Remember that it is better to do this while you have soccer cleats or sneakers on than doing it barefoot or just with socks. Balance the ball with your foot against the wall during your first few tries. If you don’t get it right the first time, just keep going and do not lose your concentration by getting distracted by a little frustration and other people – Relax. Keep your eye on the ball and try not to pull a muscle by holding it for very long. When you are successful in knowing how to balance a soccer ball on your foot, keep doing it.

Mastering physical control and proper balance are keys to making a good soccer player. When you learn how to balance a soccer ball on your foot, it can mark the beginning of these two aspects. Try it!