Introduction

The inside of the foot or “push” pass and its corresponding trap, represent the most basic pass and trap in soccer. Although it is a little awkward at first, for the Instructional Soccer Program, they provide the highest level of control for passing and trapping for beginners because the inside of the foot conforms to the curve of the ball.

Demonstration

The foot is turned at the ankle and the leg is rotated at the hip so that the toes are pointed to 90 degrees to the outside. Balance is maintained so that the leg can swing freely at the hip. An analogy can be made to use of a putter in golf. An actual putter could be used in a demonstration with a reference made to miniature golf. The foot must be off of the ground so that the ball may be contacted dead center.

Like the instep drive, the point of the direction of the non-kicking will roughly determine the path that the kicked ball will take.

The corresponding trap is the simple receipt of the ball with the inside of the foot. Again, the foot needs to be off of the ground so that the ball may be contacted dead center. It should be shown that the foot must not be lifted so high that the ball can pass under it. (Slightly advanced demonstration would provide for receipt of a faster-paced ball by showing the foot held out in front and the leg being relaxed as the ball is received in order to take the pace off.)

Drills

• Inside of foot pass and trap, left and right, with parent. (Short, then expand distance.)
• Inside of foot pass and trap, left and right, with teammate. (Short, then expand distance.)
• Dribble and then inside of foot pass to teammate who traps; re-set and other player goes.
• Challenge – as above, but from some distance, alternate players back-peddle to reset.
• In triangle – one ball – players pass and trap ball around.
• In triangle – one ball – player passes to one player and receives ball back; player passes to other player and receives ball back; rotate.
• “Personal Pass” – dribble, push pass out in front, sprint, retrieve, dribble. (Line-to-line); dribble at standing parent (with legs spread), push pass through legs, sprint around, retrieve (“nutmeg”).

FOR DETAILED INFORMATION ON HOW TO TEACH THIS SKILL, SEE:  Introduction to Passing…