The “Magic Hop” Instruction and Drill

THE “MAGIC HOP” INSTRUCTION AND DRILL

CoachingAmericanSoccer.com®

The following is a step-by-step method for teaching the “magic hop,” a common skill professionals use, especially when receiving a ball.  This combination instruction and drill is designed for youth.  Coaches of older players can decide whether-or-not to use all the steps.

The following is based on using the left foot as the plant foot and the right foot to receive the ball:

    1. Put the left placement foot on the ground slightly behind and to the left of the ball.
    2. Put the sole of the right foot on top of the ball with the foot dorsal-flexed. Body weight should be on the placement (left) foot with no body weight on the ball.
    3. Hop on the left foot (the magic hop). The right foot should go up and down with the left foot. The right foot should not move on its own, the left foot only causing the right foot to go up and down.
    4. The player gets one step away from the ball, and repeats Step 1 with the foot placed a bit farther behind the ball. The right foot is lifted about knee high, the ankle dorsal-flexed.  The player hops far enough on the left foot to place his right foot on top of the ball.
    5. The magic hop should result in the player being in perfect body balance with no body weight on the ball.
    6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 until comfortable.
    7. Players in pairs, about 3-yards apart: One player gently rolls the ball toward the other, who is standing on his placement foot with his right foot in the air.  Before the ball reaches him, he hops, then gently puts his right foot on top of the ball as in Step 2.  Repeat several times until comfortable.  Then, the roller and the receiver change roles.
    8. Increase the distance between pairs. When about 7-yards apart, the receiver should put the placement foot down on the ground when the ball is about 4-yards away from him to prepare his right foot to control the ball.  If the receiver waits too long to execute the magic hop the whole process gets too rushed.  Practice until the whole process is done with ease.
    9. Pairs get 10- to 20-yards apart, kick the ball back and forth, two touches at each end, using the magic hop.
    10. Switch feet, then alternate feet.

In addition to the sole of the foot, the receiver can use the inside and outside of the foot, with the inside of the foot being the most-commonly used.  The magic hop is often used to receive and immediately change directions by hopping, receiving, and turning at the same time.  The magic hop also makes it much easier to receive (or “catch”) balls coming from the air.  For example, how does a left winger make receiving a 70-yard pass from his right fullback look so easy?  By using the magic hop.

Using the magic hop also helps to keep the ball in front of you, giving you the advantage of having that split second to discover your options.  Receiving by just cushioning the ball can draw it underneath you, restricting your awareness.

Watching professional players will show you how very often they use the magic hop, especially when passing the ball around.

Soccer Coaching Tips:

  • The “magic hop” was coined and promoted by the late Coach Hubert Vogelsinger.

Deepest appreciation to Coach Rick Sewall for contributing this article.

© John C. Harves