Skills / Ball mastery

Toe taps

Tap the top of the ball with the sole of each foot in turn, quickly, on the spot.

L R 20 cm
  • Foot on the ball
  • Ball's path

Any age

When to use it

As a warm-up, or between other drills. It sharpens your footwork and balance.

Get it right

  • Light touches on top of the ball with the front of the sole.
  • Swap feet in a quick rhythm, staying on the balls of your feet.
  • Keep the ball still. If it rolls away, you're pressing too hard.
  • Count how many you can do in 30 seconds.

Watch out for

  • Stamping on the ball.
  • Leaning back. Stay over the ball.

Drawn for the right foot. Learn it on your weaker foot too: it doubles the number of ways you can go.

More ball mastery: Sole rolls.

In a match

Practising a skill is half of it. Here is when it turns up in a game, and what to look for.

Where
Not a match move on its own. It is the footwork under every turn and dribble.
The moment
Use it in warm-ups so your feet are quick when the game starts.
Match mistake
Watching your feet. Do them with your head up.

Try it in your next match. Two minutes of toe taps, head up, before every match.

Match moments where it counts: Beat the press · Get past their midfield · We have just lost it

Practise it

Drills where you will use this skill again and again.