Debunking Common Misconceptions

Everyone agrees that ball mastery practice is important, but there is a common misconception by some that unopposed individual ball mastery sessions should only be done by younger players.

 

 

While the earlier you start the better, we have seen ball mastery practice improve the performance of players of all ages and abilities including college players and even pros.

 

Additionally, coaches of older players sometimes overestimate the player’s technical ability and therefore underestimate the positive impact that individual ball mastery training will have on the player’s performance.

 

Ball mastery training increases ball control, increases confidence, and the ability to play faster.  These skills translate directly to better performance during games and training.

 

In addition to the soccer-specific benefits, there are even more advantages that younger players receive which are often overlooked.

 

In this article, I share some of the top five additional reasons you should practice ball mastery, no matter your age or current ability.

 

 

#1 Players Get Much More Touches

Ball Mastery practice allows players to get thousands of touches in a relatively short amount of time.

During a typical game, each player may touch the ball 30 to 50 times.  On the contrary, players literally can accumulate over 1,000 touches during a 10-minute Anytime Soccer Training session.

 

The math is simple. The extra thousands of touches help improve ball control, balance, skill, and the ability to use both feet effectively.

 

 

Why Anytime Soccer Training?

Anytime Soccer Training is the most comprehensive ball mastery program in the world. It has over 500 ball mastery sessions that are 100% follow-along and cover all aspects of ball mastery.

 

 

#2 Technical Players Lose the Ball Less

The number one reason that youth soccer players lose the ball is a lack of skill – not speed, conditioning, strength, athleticism, or soccer IQ.

Let’s repeat that, the overwhelming reason youth soccer players lose possession is a lack of skill – not speed, conditioning, strength, athleticism, or soccer IQ.

 

Ironically, investing the time required to become more skillful (especially at younger ages) improves all the areas mentioned.

 

 

Players with greater skill, are more relaxed on the ball, can move faster, and make decisions quicker.

 

Also, defenders must give technical players more space – if they gamble or stab for the ball, the player will easily blow by them.

 

Parent tip:  When it comes to ball mastery practice at home, consistency is most important. Set a routine and commit to at least 10 minutes per day two days per week. In a few months, you will see a huge improvement in your player’s game

 

#3 Technical Players Receive the Ball More

Anyone familiar with team sports knows that the most skillful players become the center of the offense.  In soccer, coaches tend to play the most skillful players in the middle of the field and in attacking roles.

 

 

Teammates trust players who they know won’t lose the ball.  Skillful players are also given a license by the coach to take greater risks and show more creativity.  Their skills and confidence increase even more as a result, of receiving more opportunities on the ball during games and practice.

 

Parent tip:  Consider keeping your child in recreation soccer until they develop enough skill and confidence to play competitive soccer. In rec, they will have more time on the ball and likely more fun.

 

#4 Technical Players Usually Enjoy Soccer More

The logic is pretty simple.  Every child wants the ball during games and practice.  Every child also wants to score and experience success on the field.

 

While there will and should be good days and bad days – in general, the most skilled players will get to have the ball more and experience more success.

 

 

The early success on the field and positive feedback from coaches and parents fuels their passion for the sport and motivate them to play longer.

 

Parent Tip: Does your child get pushed off the ball too easily? The solution is likely not strength training.  Shielding the ball is a learned skill that is bolstered with practice. Try this instead, make a  10×10 box and have your child practice keeping the ball away from you. Then move on and play 1v1 or do other games that require them to keep the ball.  Anytime Soccer Training has hundreds of 1v1 and soccer games that reinforce these skills and are fun.

 

 

#5 Easy To Practice with Huge Benefits

The average Anytime Soccer Training ball mastery session is less than five minutes and requires no equipment to get started.  Players literally can get thousands of touches during that time.

 

You also don’t need much space.  All you need is a ball and any surface.  Finally, ball mastery practice can be done individually. You don’t need a teammate or trainer to get better.

 

With Anytime Soccer Training, all you need is the desire and any device.  Try this free ball mastery session today.

 

 

Stop wasting time searching the internet for soccer drills. Join Anytime Soccer Training today for free.