Trapping and Control with No Opposition
Attackers Defenders Neutral Goalkeeper Pass Run Dribble Shot
Before a player can control the ball under pressure, they need to control it with none. This soccer trapping drill gives U8–U14 players focused repetitions on every receiving surface - inside, outside, instep, and sole of the foot, plus thigh and chest - with a partner and a few yards of space.
Find similar exercises in our receiving drills collection or filter by age with drills for U11 teams.
Setup
- Pair players up, standing 5–10 yards apart.
- Set the distance by ability: closer for beginners, farther for advanced players.
- One ball per pair.
How It Works
- One partner serves; the other traps and controls the ball with the surface the coach names.
- Work through the menu: inside of the foot, outside of the foot, instep, sole, thigh, and chest.
- Serve thigh and chest balls by hand with an accurate toss; serve balls to the feet with a pass.
- After each trap, the receiver plays the ball back and the pair repeats.
- Switch server and receiver roles every set.
Coaching Points
- Cushion the ball: the receiving surface relaxes on contact so the ball drops into playing range.
- Get in line with the ball early - move the feet before the trap, not during it.
- The first touch should set up the next action, finishing a step in front of the body.
- Chest traps: lean back slightly and let the ball drop; thigh traps: absorb, don't bounce.
Variations
- Change the distance between partners to alter serve pace.
- Serve every ball with the foot instead of a toss.
- Have advanced players receive chest and thigh serves struck from the partner's feet.