The ability to trap – to receive a ball in the air and bring it to the ground using the head, torso, inner thighs or feet – gives a player a definitive edge in soccer. Players who can trap with control win balls for their team and prevent the opposing team from gaining possession.
Trapping With a Partner
Trapping with a partner is a simple but effective way to begin practicing trapping. Two players stand 10 feet apart from each other, one holding a ball. The person with the ball throws it in the air to her partner, who has to trap it with her chest, bring it down to her feet under control, and pass it back to her partner, who then throws it again. Players can practice trapping with the chest, head, inner thighs and the sides and tops of the feet 10 times each, and then switch roles.
Trapping Competition
To create a sense of urgency while trapping and to force players to race to a dropping ball and trap it while running, coaches can organize a trapping competition. A trapping competition involves lining up the team, with the coach in the middle holding the ball behind a starting line. The coach drop-kicks the ball in the air as high as he can, and then calls out the names of two players. As soon as these two players hear their names, they race to trap the dropping ball first using any method of their preference.
Trapping and Shooting
Frequently in a soccer game, a forward receives a long ball or cross in front of the net and must bring it down, under control, and then shoot. Soccer teams can simulate this game situation by lining up forwards and offensive midfielders at the top of the 18-yard box and defenders and defensive midfielders on the left or right sideline, or even where a corner kick is normally placed. The first defender in line crosses the ball in the air into the box and the first forward in line rushes onto the ball, traps it and shoots.
Trapping Under Pressure
In this drill, players practice trapping a ball while defenders are pressuring them. This could involve a set play anywhere on the field, including in front of the net. One teammate sends a ball in the air to another teammate, who runs to trap it. At this point, an opponent rushes up to the player trapping the ball and tries to put pressure on him by jostling him and attempting to take the ball. The player under pressure must turn his body away from the opponent and either pass the ball off or shoot immediately.
Trapping Mini-Game
A trapping mini-game allows players to repeatedly practice trapping. In a 6-on-6 trapping game, players use their hands to throw the ball to their teammates, who must trap the ball with their bodies and bring it down under control. Once they have accomplished this, they may pick it up and throw it to a teammate. Players cannot run while holding the ball. Opponents try to gain possession of the ball by winning it out of the air or by picking up a ball the other team failed to trap. Players can shoot on net after trapping the ball.
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