Close control is essential for every player on the field, except perhaps the goalkeeper. Close control generally refers to running with the ball, and dribbling skills, but it can also include the first touch, and control with different parts of the foot, thigh, chest and head. Close control is a vital part of football coaching, and is covered in detail in our football coaching software .
Close control means being able to keep the ball under control and close to the player.
Running with the ball is the first stage of close control. The two aims are to keep the ball within 30-50 cm of your foot, and to avoid breaking stride. Coaches should encourage players to achieve these goals at slow speeds, and then gradually build up speed. Competition can be encouraged by organising races or relays between players, but penalties should be imposed for letting the ball run too far in front. A simple individual exercise is to build an obstacle course with cones or other markers placed at varying distances apart, and at different angles to each other.