1/4 Hour LabO #77: "Ball Control in Soccer"

Introduction to Ball Control

Today, we will discuss an exciting and crucial topic in the development of any soccer player: ball control. Just like orientation, information gathering, pass quality, or dribbling, good ball control is fundamental on the field. But how can we work on it effectively? This article explores the various dimensions of ball control, from visual abilities to proprioceptive skills, including reflex stability, for a personalized and specific approach.

Ball control is not just about repeating a technical gesture. It integrates into a complex system of components that must be worked on together for significant improvement. We will see how a personalized assessment, combined with targeted training, can transform a player's performance, even drawing inspiration from philosophies developed in other sports for a holistic approach.

The Importance of Visual and Ocular Abilities for Ball Control

For optimal ball control, visual and ocular abilities are paramount. It is essential to see the ball clearly, regardless of its source, and to continue tracking it until it is at your feet while gathering information about the environment. This requires skills in saccades (quick eye movements), visual tracking (following a moving object), and near and far vision.

These exercises, often worked on analytically, must be performed with a moving body, the head dissociated from the body, and with a ball moving at different speeds. By observing these specific situations on the field, we can identify the "grey areas" of a player's visual system, meaning the moments when their ability to gather information about the ball is compromised. For example, issues with depth perception can lead to imprecise control or balls that "get away" from the player.

Peripheral Vision and Visual Quadrants

Peripheral vision is a key element of ball control. If a player has a more limited visual field on one side than the other, they will tend to reorient their body toward the side where they feel safer, thus limiting their ability to gather information in the restricted space. It is crucial to test all visual quadrants (top, bottom, left, right) and not just the classic "left-right" to ensure that no area is overlooked.

The Role of the Orthoptist in Case of Visual Difficulties

If a player experiences recurring ball control issues related to vision, an optical assessment and a consultation with an orthoptist may be necessary. A difference in perception between the right eye and the left eye can lead to deviations in the trajectory of passes, for instance. Visual rehabilitation can significantly improve ocular skills and consequently, ball control.

Foot-Ball Coordination and Proprioception

Beyond vision, foot-ball coordination is fundamental. Controlling the ball with one foot engages proprioception, which is the ability to perceive the position of one's body in space. When controlling with one foot, the other foot is often lifted, requiring good reflex stability on the opposite side.

The Importance of Reflex Stability

Reflex stability, which is largely managed by the brainstem, is an essential cross-disciplinary skill for all athletes, whether they are soccer players, basketball players, or tennis players. It is fundamental for executing complex technical gestures and maintaining balance during dynamic movements. A reflex assessment identifies imbalances and works to correct them.

If reflex stability is greater on one side than the other, it can influence the player's ability to control the ball on the lifted opposite foot. Working on reflex stability involves specific exercises, often integrated into athletes' physical preparation.

From Analysis to Integration on the Field: A Progression Continuum

Improving ball control follows a multi-step process, from diagnosis to integration on the field.

The RNP Assessment and Field Observation

The starting point is often an RNP (Reflexes, Neuro-Postural) assessment that identifies the motor and sensory skills that need improvement. It can be complemented by direct observation of the player on the field by the technical coach or video analyst, who will highlight the issues faced in game situations.

Specific Exercises to Integration in Game Situations

Once the difficulties are identified, an individualized program is established:

• Activation: This involves RNP activation exercises aimed at engaging the underlying systems related to the skills to be improved.
• Rehabilitation: In case of visual problems, rehabilitation with an orthoptist is essential.
• Integration: Next, all the skills worked on (vision, proprioception, reflex stability) are integrated into specific soccer game situations. This involves technical movements, ball exercises designed to replicate the problematic situations encountered on the field, considering sensory information and the specific skills of each player.

This progression continuum allows for gradual improvement in ball control, starting from physiological foundations to concrete and optimized application on the field.

A Cross-Disciplinary Approach

The principles discussed for ball control in soccer are cross-disciplinary and apply to many other sports. Whether it’s badminton, tennis, or handball, the principle of tracking an object to a target area (foot, hand, racket) and maintaining balance is the same. The activation of fundamental systems is similar, although the integration on the field and the specificity of technical gestures vary by discipline. The ultimate goal is to optimize human potential so that it can express itself best in the chosen sport. Therefore, it is essential not to limit oneself to stereotypical exercises but to adapt the work based on individual needs and real game situations.