Aerial Control Practice

Objective

• -Control a bouncing or lofted ball cleanly
• -Cushion with thigh, chest and instep
• -Bring the ball under control in one or two touches

Setup

1. 1Players in pairs 8 yards apart.
2. 2One ball per pair.
3. 3Cones mark a small control zone for each receiver.

How to play

1. 1Server throws or lofts the ball for the receiver to control.
2. 2Rotate through thigh, chest and instep control.
3. 3Ten reps each surface, then swap roles.

Progressions

• +Add pressure from behind
• +Control and turn in one touch

Regressions

• -Underarm throws only
• -Allow three touches

Variations

• -Control then volley to a partner
• -Compete for points on clean controls

Common mistakes

• -Rigid surface making the ball bounce away
• -Waiting for the ball instead of moving to it
• -No plan for the second touch