2torial #0413:
Learn2 Understand Soccer (continued)

Move the ball

Regardless of their position on the field, all players try to control the ball, retain possession for their team, and work the ball upfield. There are many different ways to direct the ball:

• Dribble. Successive slight taps of the ball with the feet, usually keeping the ball close to the body.

• Clear. A long kick, usually by a fullback, intended to send the ball far upfield away from the penalty area.

• Trap. When they receive a pass, players try to control it using their feet and other body parts before dribbling or passing to a teammate. "Trapping" the ball stops its motion and allows a player to redirect it.

• Volley. Instead of trapping the ball, a player may kick a passed ball in the air before it reaches the ground. A half-volley is a shot or pass that connects just as the ball bounces on the ground.

• Cross. A team attacking the goal will attempt to pass the ball into the penalty area from the wing. Also known as centering the ball, this "cross" is a common setup for a scoring attempt.

• Chip. An easy, looping pass or shot designed to carry the ball over a defender's head, sometimes into the goal.

• Header. Passing or shooting the ball by making contact with the forehead. Headers are often used to score off of corner kicks.