A proper positioning of the balancing foot may also serve as a protective barrier between the ball and a defender. A simple pass to a teammate results in faster, more efficient, and often safer advancement of the ball toward the opposing team's goal. Dribbling is a game strategy that serves to improve one's options to pass or shoot. When the purpose of a dribbling run is not to create a better angle for a pass or shot, it should be used as a last resort rather than first choice game strategy. That is the reason spacial awareness is critical to effective dribbling.
Soccer is a team sport after all.
Ball control is achieved by maintaining a delicate balance on one foot while bringing the ball to a rest with the other foot. This is the real test of the most specific goal of trapping. Effective trapping does not end with the control of the ball. Control has to be immediately followed by a number of game strategies.