Ball control is one of the most important skills a young footballer can learn. Whether your child is just starting out or already playing for a local team, good touch, balance, and coordination are the foundation of confident play.
The good news? You don’t need a big pitch or a personal coach. With just a football and a bit of space, your child can work on their footwork, control, and reaction time — right at home.
Here are 5 simple yet effective drills your child can start using today to improve ball control and feel more confident on the ball.
Wall Passes
Find a wall (garage door, brick wall, or fence). Have your child pass the ball against the wall with one foot and control the rebound with the same or opposite foot. Encourage them to stay light on their feet and stay in motion.
What it trains: First touch, reaction time, and passing accuracy.
Pro Tip: Start slow, then gradually increase the tempo. You can add a challenge: “10 passes without losing control.”
✅ Try this drill using the Ball Control Mat for targeted foot placement training.
Toe Taps
With the ball still on the ground, your child taps the top of the ball alternately with each foot - like a light jog in place, but touching the ball each time.
What it trains: Foot speed, coordination, and endurance.
Pro Tip: Time 30 seconds on, 30 seconds off. Build up to 1-minute sets as fitness improves.
This drill is great for warm-ups and building a strong base of control under fatigue.
Inside-Outside Touches
Dribble forward using alternating touches: inside of the foot → outside of the foot. Start with the right foot, then switch to the left.
What it trains: Agility, close control, and lateral movement.
Pro Tip: Set up small markers or cones (water bottles work!) to dribble through.
✅ This pattern is even more effective when guided by the Ball Control Mat, which gives your child target zones for their footwork.
Figure Eight Dribble
Place two cones (or objects) about 1 metre apart. Dribble around them in a figure eight using both feet.
What it trains: Change of direction, turning, and ball awareness.
Pro Tip: Challenge your child to complete as many clean loops as possible in 60 seconds.
This helps simulate in-game turning situations and improves agility with the ball.
Ball Juggling
Start by juggling the ball with one foot, then alternate. Allow the ball to bounce once if needed for beginners.
What it trains: Overall ball control, concentration, and foot-eye coordination.
Pro Tip: Turn it into a game. Track your child’s high score and try to beat it each day.
✅ Juggling becomes easier as your child becomes more confident with their first touch - especially if they’ve been working on the Faster Feet Bundle.
Why Repetition Matters
Repetition is key in football. These drills don’t need to be fancy - they need to be consistent. Just 10–20 minutes per day can lead to visible improvements in ball control, confidence, and even fitness.
Bonus: Use Equipment To Make It Fun
Want to level up training and make it feel more like a real session?
Try adding:
• ✅ Ball Control Mat – guides foot placement and repetition
• ✅ Grip Socks – better stability on hard or slippery floors
• ✅ Cones or markers – to create your own drill circuits
👟 Ready to Get Started?
These home drills are the perfect way to build your child’s foundation in football - especially when combined with simple tools that make training more engaging.
👉 Start with our best-seller: Ball Control Mat
👉 Or save with a full kit: Faster Feet Bundle
