How to make The winning difference

Control the ball into space away from pressure

By Tony Carr

Controlling the ball quickly, away from defenders and into space will give players more time to assess their options and execute their next technique, whether that is a shot, pass or dribble.

• It improves the ability to keep possession.

• Creates more possession time.

• Increases the team's speed of play.

In this session players need to think about:

• Where your opponents and team-mates are.

• Body position - half-turned in the direction they want to control the ball.

• Ball travels across body to the back foot.

• Contact the ball’s horizontal mid-line or above.

• Cushion the ball to play it again without having to chase or reach for it.

How to play it

• You need a ball and four players in a 10 x 10 yard area.

• 2 players stand one behind the other on one side of the square, with the other 2 players lined-up opposite.

• The first player passes the ball across the square, where the player receiving controls it – using the inside, or arch, of the foot – and passes it back, ideally with their second touch.

• Once a player from either side has played a pass, they turn behind the second player in line, who repeats the drill.

• Keep the ball moving.

• Use the right foot to control to the right, and the left to control to the left.

• Stress the importance of good passing.

Tony Carr is the Academy Director of West Ham United in the English Premier League and the editor of the Smart Sessions soccer coaching plans - they come in advanced and core versions. You can get these sessions dropping into your inbox every week by clicking here.