The Importance of Ball Mastery

THE IMPORTANCE OF BALL MASTERY LET YOUR FEET DO THE TALKING

LATEST TRAINING VIDEOS

STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING

DEVELOP OFF THE PITCH

Contents Page 3 - Welcome Page 4 - The Importance of Ball Mastery Page 7 - 1200 Touches in 12 Minutes Page 9 - Training Drills and Video Releases Page 10 - Concentration Page 13 - Strength and Conditioning Page 14 - Why Improve Your Weaker Foot?

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WELCOME Great to see you again

What a World Cup that was! I know that I am having some withdrawal symptoms. Being able to watch three games a day was fantastic and I wish it could be on every year!

We saw some great goals, matches and a fantastic Final with France being the deserved winners. The thing that stood out for me with the French team is their strength in depth. Any team that can leave out a player with Anthony Martial's potential is one to be taken very seriously.

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They have talent in abundance and supremely technical players, all comfortable with the ball at their feet.

This month we take a look at the importance of ball mastery and why it is becoming one of the key elements of a player's development.

We hope it takes you to the next level of your game!

ELLIOTT EVERSON OpportunityElite

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THE IMPORTANCE OF BALL MASTERY Let your feet do the talking with Ball Mastery training. Gain more touches on the ball over a shorter period of time with intense and highly beneficial training. It is becoming key to a player's development and we'll let you know why....

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THE IMPORTANCE OF BALL MASTERY While watching the World Cup it was clear to see that the technical level of players is sky high. Players would be bringing the ball under control in an instant, then twisting and turning away from their opponent while under heavy pressure. These players really are at the very highest level of the game, and the one thing they all have in common?

Technical mastery of the ball, being able to manipulate and move it wherever need be in the most pressurised of situations.

What is Ball Mastery?

At what age is it best for?

Ball mastery is a routine of

There is no right or wrong answer

skills/techniques that allows

to this, it benefits everyone.

players to receive more touches

However, youth players can see

on the ball in a smaller space of

huge improvements if they stick

time. All you need is a ball and a

to ball mastery training. It gives

small amount of space to practise

players more touches on the ball

and learn the skills.

than they usually would have in a large group. The more touches a

It involves moving the ball with

player takes, the better they are

different parts of the feet in

going to become.

differing directions, allowing for a quick change of pace, direction, and balance.

GIVING PLAYERS MORE TOUCHES ON THE BALL AND INCREASED TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT How does it help players?

We have worked with players of all ages, implementing ball mastery

It provides players with the ability

into their training. Even for adults,

to practise taking more touches

we see a great difference in their

on the ball, in a shorter space of

confidence and ability on the ball.

time.

If players are lacking in confidence

All footballers love to take as many

on the ball then their first thought

touches on the ball as possible,

is to 'get rid of it', often leading to

We love it, that's why we play the

an uncontrolled clearance that

game.

goes anywhere away from them.

Taking more touches will help the Ball mastery coaches players to

player improve their technique

have more confidence on the ball

and fitness. Ball mastery can be

due to the number of repetitions

quite a workout, giving players

and practices that they have

conditioning with short sharp

undertaken.

bursts of movement.

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The great thing about ball mastery is that it doesn't require a huge amount of equipment. Individuals can take a ball to their nearest open space and practise. Teams just need to have a ball for each player.

The more the player gets on the ball, the better they will become. Ball mastery can provide huge development for players, especially in the following areas:

Balance Co-ordination Touch Speed of touch Fast feet Control Improving the weaker foot Decision making Fitness Agility It provides a number of benefits to the player but most importantly gives them the confidence to succeed and be calm on the ball.

Take a look at the YouTube video below to see twenty ball mastery demonstrations.

Developments in the weak foot will also be seen, over time.

Nothing happens overnight, or after just one training session, but continued practice will lead to significant development in the future. Players will become more confident on the weak foot, gripping and moving the ball in the relevant sequences.

They will also begin to shift their body weight, coordinating their touch on the ball and their movement - all essential to becoming a high level player!

Ball Mastery can give the player over 1200+ touches on the ball in just over 12 minutes.

Implementing ball mastery into your training is a fantastic step to developing your game. It could be used as technical warm-ups, raising the heart rate of players without having to leave the balls to one side. Alternatively, it can be used as the main part of the session, focusing purely on the technical development of the players, or even as a cool down, giving players light touches on the ball to finish up the evening's training. It is your choice as a coach, or player, as to how much you integrate ball mastery into your training, but you will certainly see developments if it is used regularly.

We've recently released a 12 minute ball mastery training session on YouTube. In those 12 minutes players can receive over 1200+ touches on the ball. That is a lot of touches in just 12 minutes!

20 Ball Mastery Skills

Turn to the next page to watch the 1200+ touches Ball Mastery training session.

Keeping the ball under close control and moving it exactly where you want to is vital to becoming a top footballer. Think of the top players to have just won the World Cup, Pogba, Mbappe, they can move the ball where they want to in all situations. They have practised ball mastery from an early age.

Sometimes I come across players who seem to get their feet caught under the ball, causing them to spin around and find it again. Using ball mastery techniques allows players to practise keeping their balance while under control of the ball, giving them great foundations to build upon for the rest of their game.

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1200+ Touches in 12 Minutes

Watch on our YouTube Ball mastery gives players the opportunity to take more touches on the ball. One of the key factors for player development is repetition.

In order to correctly perform a skill players must continually repeat it.

At times, as coaches we can feel that we must move on from a drill quickly. Parents and relatives may be watching and we can feel that we aren't doing enough if we are repeating a skill or technique frequently.

Ball mastery gives us plenty of repetition in a shorter space of time, allowing for great developments in the player's game.

For the individual, you can always use ball mastery within your training. Prior to each session you do, whether with your team, or on your own, you can get on the ball and keep practising.

Remember, success doesn't happen overnight. Some players pick up the techniques quickly, whereas others may take a little more time. That is absolutely fine. If you are a player, don't rush to keep up with your team-mates, work at your own pace. As a coach, ball mastery can be great for players individually. You can set challenges to your team, or progress players at different levels.

It is a perfect individual training tool and will hugely improve your players' games. Over the course of a year, with consistent training and practice, you will see noticeable differences, but, remember, you must stick at it. Training ball mastery once every few months won't give your players the time to develop. Aim to include it into each of your sessions, whether it is just for a ten minute warm up or cool down. It will still give players the consistency and opportunity for huge development.

The more touches the better, and the the more comfortable the players will be on the ball. Include ball mastery as much as you can and see the players, or yourself, flourish.

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ONLINE STORE

Click Here for Coach and Player Training Equipment

Training Drills and Video Releases Over the last month we have released a number of training drills and tutorials to help you take the next step in your game.Â

Long Distance Passing Tutorial

The Skill Box, Fast Feet and Technical ActivityÂ

Shooting techniques

1200 Touch, Ball Mastery Training Session

Click to view the training videos

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Concentration Trevor Gray, our resident Sports Performance Coach and Psychotherapist, discusses concentration and how vital it is to be successful within the game.

Trevor talks us though the third of seven C's that he uses in his work with talented sports people at the Ultimate Athlete sports programme, based in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.

The third C in our guide to becoming the Ultimate Athlete is Concentration.

Concentration is key to those performing at all levels of the game. How often do we hear a commentator, or coach, mention that the most dangerous time to concede a goal is straight after your team has scored?

This is because concentration can fade after scoring a goal. We can feel delighted with the fact that we are leading, however, that can take away from our concentration and focus on the task that is at hand. Once you lose that concentration, it is more likely that mistakes will be made.

Trevor gives us some great advice on how to maintain and improve your concentration, below.

The dictionary definition of Concentration is:

“your ability to completely focus your attention on something for an extended period of time without being distracted”.

This focus is not only important when your team has possession of the ball but also when the opposition has the ball.

During a match, how many minutes do YOU have the ball?

It’s actually only about 2-3 minutes!!!

So what we do without the ball is obviously very important - as that’s MOST of the match!

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How do we Improve Concentration?

First of all, try and not get distracted by: Parents/Family - try and ignore what they’re saying on the sidelines and listen only to your coach.

Friends - again only listen to your coach.

Teammates - help them to concentrate on the game and focus better.

Opponents - don’t listen to what they are saying, they are trying to get you to switch off and not focus.

Preparation - if you have the correct equipment (boots, kit, shin pads etc) and it’s clean and ready to go you’ll be able to concentrate on your game and not worry about other influences.

Mistakes can affect our concentration - they’re all part of the game. Aim to get your focus back on track and engaged in what is happening now rather than what has just happened. This counts whether it’s you making the mistakes or your teammates.

Try not to let the following situations affect your concentration: Own goals Missed goals Poor passes Poor marking There’s a saying in football that “When the ball goes dead, YOU come alive” So be aware and try and catch the opposition out by using: Quick free-kicks Quick corners Quick throw-ins Quick kick-off Improve your concentration skills, become a better team player and get the most out of your potential!

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Think about how you can improve your concentration in the next match.

When is it important to focus and concentrate?

When there is a set-piece, be quick to get ready, focusing on your responsibilities and the task at hand.

Set-pieces Corners Free kicks Throw-ins Kick-offs

"The best way to keep focus is to know your role” Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson

Check out Trevor's work at:

www.trevorgraytherapy.co.uk 12.

Strength and Conditioning Our resident Strength and Conditioning Coach, George Lyons, talks you through his latest workout to provide strength and stability to the lower body muscles. Taking care of your body and strengthening in order to prevent injuries is vital to footballers looking to take the next step in their game.

With pre-season training well underway now is a perfect time to ensure that you are putting yourself in the best position to have a brilliant season.

The Back Squat

Follow George Lyons

The back squat is probably one of the most commonly used compound exercises, providing three points of movement from the hip, knee, and ankle joint, allowing more of the lower body to be used.

Step 1 Start with your feet hip width apart. Make sure that your posture is upright. As you lift the bar make sure to have both feet underneath, providing the stability for the correct technique.

Step 2 Don't deliberately bend the knees, your hips should move first, as if you are sitting down in a chair. The knees and ankles will flex with the body's natural movement.

Move your hips down, but no lower than the knees. You should be able to draw a straight line from the knee to the hip joint, but no further. Keep your heels on the floor at all times and then repeat the exercise. Perfect for developing the lower body muscles that are used greatly over the pre-season period.

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WHY IMPROVE YOUR WEAKER FOOT? If you've already got a great strong foot, capable of hitting the perfect pass or controlling the ball in an instance, then why would you need an improved weaker foot?

Why spend your time working on a part of your game that you haven't really needed to before?

They're good questions, and have been asked by many players before.

However, in football, you need to maximise your opportunities. It's such a competitive game, and you need to take your chances when they come.

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When you get the ball you don't want to be limited within your game. How many times do we see a player take the safe route and go back on to their strong foot, missing the opportunity to execute a key moment?

You need to maximise your opportunities.

As you rise through the levels in the game, competing against higher level competition, you may not get many opportunities to significantly affect the game.

That's why, at the very top level, the most significant moments come from the players who are prepared to not take the safe route.

Developing your weaker foot gives you the chance to maximise your opportunities and take that chance when it comes to you.

You will come across many instances in the game where you need to be able to make that pass, take the shot, or execute the cross. It could be in the very first, or last, minute of the game. The best players out there, even if they don't use their weaker foot regularly, will be able to take these chances and show just how effective they are.

You never know when these moments will appear, but the best thing to do is to be prepared.

Find out how to improve your weaker foot on the next page....

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Developing both feet doesn't mean that you have to use the previously weaker foot all the time, or adapt your game. You don't need to be putting yourself under pressure to use it frequently, however, having the confidence to know that you can take advantage of any situation with either foot, is hugely positive.

Practising with the weaker foot will allow you to know that you are able to take the  opportunity when it comes.

How do you improve your weak foot though?

Many people think that you need to be able to kick the ball as far and as hard as possible to improve your less dominant foot; this isn't the case.

Hitting the ball as powerfully as you can doesn't mean that the less dominant foot is as effective as your natural one.

The most important aspect is to create and develop confidence in the close control. Practise moving the ball with the weaker foot, aiming to keep it under control while changing direction and working at varying paces. As you do this you will find your comfort level on the ball improving.

In addition to this it is very important to work on your first touch, positioning the ball exactly where you want it to be. I like to think of these initial stages of development as the foundations of a player's game. If you build strong foundations then the rest of your game will flourish.

Practising this is all about maximising your opportunities, putting you in the best position to impact the game.

It can also bring a level of unpredictability to your game, something hugely important to those playing at a high level. It is far easier for your opponent to defend against you if they know which foot you will control with and to which direction you will turn. Using both feet gives the opponent doubt as to what you are going to do, giving you more time, and space, on the ball.

Possessing the ability to use both feet is a huge benefit to players and teams. Coaches and Managers may feel that they can use you in a different role, giving flexibility and fluidity to the team, at the same time as increasing the players' opportunities.

Sometimes, using both feet can be overlooked, but the very best all possess the ability to do so. Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players ever, looks like he is completely left footed. He rarely used his right foot, however, in the World Cup against Nigeria he scored a great goal with his right foot after bringing the ball down and racing through on goal.

If Messi had turned inside onto his left, there would have been a much higher chance of being tackled. He therefore knew that he had to go with his right foot, which maximised his opportunity, leading to him scoring a goal.

Practise enough and you will find that you don't need to worry about your less dominant foot. When the time comes to use it you will do so without a second thought - something which all players would love to feel.

It can take a bit of time. Major improvements don't happen overnight but the hard work and effort that you put in will be completely worth it.

Keep working on your weak foot and watch your game flourish!

Developing these foundations places you in a great position to then focus on the striking of the ball, working initially on pure technique, rather than focusing on power. If you perfect the technique, the power will come. However, if you focus on power, you won't correct the technique, causing dragged and scuffed shots or passes.

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