Mastering Ball Control: 696 3 Drills for Aspiring Midfielders

As a professional midfielder, I often get asked about the secret to my ball control. While natural talent plays a role, consistent practice and dedication are the real keys to unlocking this crucial skill. Today, I want to share some insights and drills that have helped me develop my own game, focusing on a specific set of techniques I call “696 3.” These drills are designed to improve your touch, agility, and tactical awareness on the pitch.

The Importance of Ball Mastery

Before diving into the drills, let’s understand why ball control is paramount for midfielders. In the heart of the pitch, you’re constantly under pressure, with opponents looking to win possession. Mastering the ball allows you to:

• Receive passes cleanly and efficiently: This seems basic, but a poor first touch can derail an entire attack.
• Maintain possession under pressure: The ability to shield the ball, turn away from defenders, and make quick decisions is crucial for retaining possession in tight spaces.
• Dictate the tempo of the game: By controlling the ball, you control the pace of play, allowing you to slow things down or accelerate depending on the situation.

Breaking Down “696 3”: A Foundation for Success

The “696 3” drills might sound cryptic, but they represent a combination of fundamental techniques that, when practiced diligently, can elevate your ball control to the next level.

1. The 6: Inside and Outside Footwork

This drill focuses on developing comfort and precision with both the inside and outside of your feet.

• Setup: Place six cones in a straight line, about a yard apart.
• Execution: Dribble through the cones, alternating between using the inside of your right foot, then the outside of your left foot, and so on. Focus on close control and maintaining a consistent pace.
• Variations: Increase the speed, change direction, or incorporate turns and feints to challenge yourself.

Expert Insight: “Many young players neglect the outside of their foot,” says former Barcelona youth coach Albert Benaiges. “But developing proficiency with both surfaces is essential for deceptive dribbling and passing.”

2. The 9: Turning and Shielding

This drill emphasizes body positioning, shielding the ball, and making quick turns away from pressure.

• Setup: Imagine a clock face on the ground.
• Execution: Starting at the “12 o’clock” position, dribble to the “3 o’clock” position. Shield the ball with your body, turn using your first touch, and accelerate away towards the “6 o’clock” position. Repeat this pattern, moving around the clock face.
• Variations: Use different parts of your body to shield, vary your turning speed, and introduce a defender to simulate game situations.

3. The 6: Precision Passing

While dribbling is important, a midfielder’s true value lies in their passing.

• Setup: Set up six cones in various patterns—triangles, squares, or random formations.
• Execution: Pass the ball to yourself, using one-touch passing, aiming to hit each cone accurately. Focus on weight and accuracy of your passes.
• Variations: Introduce a partner, work on different passing techniques (inside foot, outside foot, chipped passes), or play one-touch passes with a wall.

Two players practicing one-two passes

4. The 3: Receiving Under Pressure

This drill simulates the pressure you face in a game when receiving the ball.

• Setup: Work with a partner. Stand about 10 yards apart.
• Execution: Your partner passes the ball to you. As you receive the ball, your partner closes you down. Control the ball with your first touch, taking it away from the pressure and into space.
• Variations: Change the speed and direction of the pass, and have your partner apply varying levels of pressure.

Expert Insight: “Anticipating the pass and deciding where you want to go with the ball before it arrives is crucial,” says Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager. “This allows for a cleaner first touch and better decision-making under pressure.”

Conclusion: Consistency is Key

The “696 3” drills are not about magic tricks; they are about building a solid foundation of ball control through consistent practice. Incorporate them into your training routine, be patient, and most importantly, enjoy the process of mastering the ball.

Remember, every touch is an opportunity to improve. Keep practicing, stay dedicated, and who knows, maybe one day you’ll be dictating the tempo of games just like me.

FAQ

1. How often should I practice these drills? Aim for at least two to three sessions per week, focusing on quality over quantity.
2. Can I modify the drills to suit my skill level? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the distances, speed, and complexity of the drills to match your current abilities.
3. What type of surface is best for practicing these drills? Ideally, practice on a flat, grassy surface. If that’s not available, a synthetic turf field or even a smooth concrete area can work.
4. Do I need any special equipment for these drills? All you really need is a ball and some cones. However, using agility poles or hurdles can add another layer of challenge to the drills.

For any further assistance in honing your skills, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact me through:

Phone Number: 0963418788
Email: [email protected]
Address: 2M4H+PMH, Phường Nghĩa Thành, Gia Nghĩa, Đắk Nông, Việt Nam

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