Quote:
Originally Posted by idge
Train the player to knock that high ball 2-3 yards ahead and 45 degrees to the left or right (depending on which foot he/her prefers).
The advantage of this is the players head is not down and looking between their feet - they are able to view their surroundings from 1st touch and can choose whether to pass or shoot.
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My thoughts at first are, "This is what I've been coaching my whole soccer carreer!" Then after some consideration, I understand that there is a time and a place both for trapping and for receiving to space.
When there is high pressure from an opponent, the player's foremost thoughts should be with sheilding and control of the ball in order to win the time and space. When to apply the reception of the ball to space is in the event that there is little or no pressure that's applied from your opponent.
This is a basic but critical ball handling skill that might take a whole season to coach... more or less. But the time spent is well worth and effort expended.
Stephen