Toe taps
Tap the top of the ball with alternate feet, light and quick, staying on your toes. The classic ball mastery warm-up.
Your assistant coach: turn this drill into a full session, plan the weeks around it and tell me how it went.
Set-up
- A space about 3 x 3 metres is enough: a hallway, patio or garden.
- Clear the space of anything breakable, and have an adult nearby for younger players.
Equipment: A ball
How it works
- Ball still in front of you.
- Tap the top with your right sole, then your left, swapping fast.
- Stay light on your toes and keep the ball still.
Coaching points
- Small, soft touches.
- Arms out for balance.
- Look up between taps.
Three levels
- Easy: 20 taps
- Harder: 40 taps
- Hardest: 60 taps, eyes up
Remember: Light and quick, swap feet
Make it easier
- Slow and steady, count each tap.
Make it harder
- Move round the ball in a circle while tapping.
AttackersDefendersKeeper / neutral- - โ Passโ Runใฐโ Dribble
Free AI coaching help from Gafferbook. Ask anything about coaching your team.
More practise at home drills
Sole rolls
Roll the ball across your body with the sole of one foot, then back with the other. Builds close control for tight spaces.
See the drill โInside-outside touches
Push the ball with the inside of one foot, then the outside of the same foot, moving it side to side. Great for dribbling and changing direction.
See the drill โV pull-backs
Pull the ball back with your sole and push it away at an angle with the inside of the same foot, making a V. A move that beats a defender in a tight space.
See the drill โTwo-cone turns
Dribble between two markers and turn at each one with a different turn. Practises the turns players need in games.
See the drill โSlalom dribble
Weave through a line of markers using small touches with both feet, then sprint back. Close control at speed.
See the drill โJuggling ladder
Keep the ball up with your feet, thighs and head, aiming to climb the ladder: 5, 10, 20, 50. Builds touch and focus.
See the drill โ