Controlling air balls with the foot

[Fernandez]

I struggle to control an air ball with the foot. Is there any technique to do so and what do you guys recommend? I want to control the ball on the first touch that it doesn't roll away from me.

 

[itsbeenpickedup]

Depends which way you are facing and what you want to do next.
You want to be relaxing your leg just as the ball hits it, so it is like if the ball were to land in some sand or on a pillow i.e your leg cushions it down by giving way under it. Watch Dennis Bergkamp.

 

[James007]

I don't know if this is good, but it's how I did it back when I was playing Sunday league. Just let the ball hit off your laces, and right when the ball hits your foot, quickly pull your foot out from under, and the ball should hit the ground not one foot away

 

[modena_10]

practice.

in your basement or whereever, just bounce the ball off a wall and control it. find your own technique. it should come naturally. if you want some pointers watch a professional match and watch how the pro's do it.

also, i say the best thing to do is get outside with a friend and cross the ball with him. the only way you can improve is by constantly playing.

 

[Hopeunited]

And ALWAYS make sure you keep your eyes on the ball, don't think too much about what you are going to do next, you'll get carried away and miss the ball.

 

[barthez4]

Everyone else has summed it up. Basically, let it sink into your foot as it hits you. If it helps, start practicing by thinking that your foot is wrapping around it as it falls. It's weird, but it helps some people.

 

[PSVFOREVER]

Get your leg a bit back, so it's like behind your body, if you know what I mean, this way, when it hits the foot, the ball will bounce closer in front of you.

 

[ShiftyPowers]

I don't know if this is good, but it's how I did it back when I was playing Sunday league. Just let the ball hit off your laces, and right when the ball hits your foot, quickly pull your foot out from under, and the ball should hit the ground not one foot away

Yep, that's how you do it.

By the way, the best technique to practice this is simply throwing the ball up in the air and controlling it as it comes down.