"The first foot to stop or touch ball is key to handling ball, it determines quality of stop or control of ball and guarantees next action"
If you stop ball too far or handle ball poorly, ball can go straight to opponent. Complete ball-stopping technique quickly and efficiently, giving you more time to process and take initiative.
As a rule, chest, thigh or instep and inside of foot are used to work with ball. Here we introduce lift only for handling ball at high altitude.
1. Stopping Introduction
To stop ball (first touch), you need to use parts other than your hands to soften ball. Remove kinetic energy of ball as much as possible, and stop ball at feet for further processing.
When dealing with a falling ball, eyes should always pay attention to trajectory of falling ball and run towards landing point. Constantly adjust your posture, find right position and stop moving and be ready to touch ball.
When ball is stopped, first foot touches ball to soften force of ball so that ball stops on ground as soon as possible to avoid ball bouncing. After ball has stopped, a second touch brings ball to an open position on court.
If there are defenders around, you need to make a few false moves after ball stops to confuse opponent.
2. Points to stop ball
Stop ball on top of foot, touching ball only with fingers and fingertips. Avoid hitting ball with top of your foot or ankle as this will cause ball to bounce.
Theoretically, more you can bend your foot up, more cushioning you get.
In preparation for contact with ball, bend top of your pivot foot and point your toes up. The ankle is slightly fixed, creating a soft bend.
When ball is close to ground, your touching foot is already under ball and touches ball very softly. At same time, knees of supporting legs are slightly bent to maintain body balance.
After hitting ball, relax ankle of foot stopping ball, allowing foot to bend and drop naturally under impact of ball.
The ball is already close to ground at this time, and most of ball's kinetic energy has been removed, so it will no longer bounce high.
3. Stop training with ball
Practice stopping ball in a small square area, stop and throw ball with instep of foot, try to stop ball in this place.
After gaining experience, kick ball vertically to a certain height after a few bounces, and then stop ball. (Hitting ball is also one of good ways to improve ball feel and control)
As you become more confident in your ability to stop ball, challenge yourself to push ball higher and higher.
Skillful ball handling cannot be learned with just a few hours of practice, it requires constant practice, and practice is crucial.
Your attention is biggest motivation for Xiaobei!May 15, 2023
Stopping Football|Practice according to these points, stopping a high-altitude ball is easy!