Soccer players must learn several fundamentals of the world's game, including how to shoot and how to pass. By learning how to settle a soccer ball, you can change the tempo of any game or practice and either slow it down or speed it up. Not everyone knows how to settle a soccer ball, but you can discover which body parts you feel most comfortable using to settle a soccer ball with patience and practice.
Inside of the Foot
Receiving the ball on the inside of your dominant foot can help you perform a simple method of ball control. Start by facing a wall or a partner and plant your supporting foot 45 to 90 degrees in relation to where the ball will travel. Avoid keeping your feet flat; stay on your toes at all times. Make contact with the ball with the arch of your foot and cushion the ball by moving your foot along the ball's original path.
Happy Feet
The happy feet drill uses both feet to touch the ball between your legs, and can help you establish more control with the insides of your feet. Dribble a soccer ball several yards, stop it and knock it back and forth between both feet. Stop the drill if the ball goes too far in front of you by putting your foot on top of the ball and returning to the starting position. The ball should move gently between your feet; increase the speed of the drill as you become more comfortable.
Toe-Touches
The toe-touch is a simple drill that can become quite difficult as you progress through several repetitions. Dribble the ball several yards, stop it and touch the top of the ball with the sole of your foot, alternating feet after every touch. Touch the ball lightly and increase the speed of your touches as you become more comfortable. You can perform toe-touches with a partner using one side of the ball. Stop the drill if you become frustrated and restart when your confidence is higher.
Trapping
Trapping a soccer ball helps you settle an aerial ball when pressured by a defender. Stay loose and on your toes, and face the direction from which the ball is coming. Throw the ball up in the air, or get a partner to throw it toward you, and trap the ball by placing the sole of your foot on top of the ball. To start, give yourself one bounce and then trap the ball, and progress to trapping the ball without letting it bounce.
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