how to control the ball in football UK

Football began here in the United Kingdom and ball control is the foundation of every player’s game, from grassroots parks to the Premier League. Whether you support Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City or Chelsea, the ability to control the ball separates good players from great ones.

This beginner guide explains what ball control means, shows five easy home or small-space drills, gives real Premier League examples and shares coaching tips used on community pitches and by FA-accredited coaches with coaching badges.

What is ball control?

Ball control is the ability to receive the ball safely and make your next action easier. It includes the first touch, cushioning incoming passes, using different parts of the foot, thigh or chest, and moving the ball into space. Good control buys time and makes decision-making simpler at all levels of football.

How to control the ball in football UK?

1. Wall touch control: Stand two metres from a wall. Pass the ball firmly with your right foot and receive it back on your left. Cushion the return with a soft inside-of-the-foot touch so the ball stops near you. Repeat 50 times, then switch feet.
2. One-touch rebound drill: Use a rebounder or wall. Pass the ball and take one controlled touch to lay it into space. Focus on opening your body to the target direction. This trains the first touch to prepare for a pass or dribble.
3. Box control in small space: Mark a 2m x 2m box. Dribble inside the box using small touches. Have a partner or use a wall to feed balls into the box and control with different surfaces: inside foot, sole, outside and thigh. Keep feet light and knees bent.
4. Sole roll and turn: Practice the sole roll to control and turn away in tight areas. Push the ball onto your sole, drag it behind you and step around to face a new direction. Repeat both left and right to master tight-space escapes used in crowded UK grassroots games.
5. Air control and drop: Throw the ball up gently and control with thigh or chest, then drop it to your feet in front of you. The aim is to make the ball land where you can play it next. This builds confidence with high passes common in cup games.

Real examples from the Premier League?

Watch Premier League players to learn control under pressure. Kevin De Bruyne controls quick, heavy passes and immediately creates chances for Manchester City. At Arsenal, players use sharp, tidy first touches to keep possession and move play. Liverpool’s midfielders, and Chelsea’s attackers historically, demonstrate quick cushioning and turning in tight spaces during FA Cup and Champions League matches.

Grassroots coaches often point to these examples when teaching players on local pitches. Use clips from matches to study body shape, foot choice and how pros cushion the ball before making a pass or drive.

Best tips to control the ball in football UK?

• Always look up quickly after your first touch so you can decide what to do next.
• Use the inside of your foot for accuracy and the sole for a safe stop in tight spaces.
• Relax muscles on impact—tense feet make the ball bounce away. Cushion with the ankle and knee.
• Practice both feet equally; top players at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are comfortable with their weaker foot.
• Repetition matters: short daily sessions are better than occasional long ones—FA coaching badges emphasise regular practice.

Mistakes to avoid?

1. Using too hard a touch—this sends the ball away and costs possession.
2. Watching the ball all the time—lift your head to scan and prepare the next move.
3. Neglecting the weaker foot—players who ignore it limit their options on the pitch.
4. Practising without intent—always set a small goal for each drill, such as controlling into space.

Frequently Asked Questions?

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