3 short technique videos, each with a challenge players can repeat to measure their progress.
By Terry Barton, founder of The Coaching Manual and 15 years in coach education · Updated October 2026
Control is often what separates good players from great players, but every player needs it to a certain level.
Practising control helps players make better decisions, speed up play and reduce the chances of being tackled.
Watch the technique, teach the coaching points, then set the challenge.
Test the quality of a player's first touch by asking them to volley the ball back to a partner. Make sure players get in line with the ball.
Mark Hughes was the master of thigh control. It's a vital skill for target players, letting them get the ball under control in the air.
A vital skill for attackers and defenders alike, who'll often be dealing with the ball at chest height. A rewarding skill to master.
Every technique and challenge lives in The Coaching Manual app. Players record their scores, coaches see who is improving, and clubs get the whole programme alongside sessions and season plans.
