Trapping
Bringing a moving ball under immediate control by cushioning or pinning it with a body part, most often the foot, thigh, or chest.
Definition
A trap is the act of killing the speed of an incoming ball so it settles at the player's feet ready to be played. Common variants include the sole trap (stopping the ball under the foot), the inside-foot trap, the thigh trap, and the chest trap; each presents a controlling surface and withdraws it slightly on contact to soften the bounce.
Trapping is one component of a broader first touch. Where a directional first touch deliberately pushes the ball into space, a trap aims to stop and secure it — useful under light pressure or when a player needs a beat to survey options. Over-reliance on stationary trapping at higher levels can slow play down, so coaches pair it with directional receiving.
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Skills
- DribblingThe skill of moving with the ball under close control to beat opponents or keep possession.
- PassingThe skill of moving the ball to a teammate accurately to keep possession and create chances.
- Ball controlThe skill of receiving and settling the ball quickly so it is ready to use.
- ThrowingThe skill of propelling the ball accurately and with control using the arm.
- HeadingThe skill of directing the ball with the head to pass, clear or attempt to score.
Techniques
- Inside-of-the-Foot PassThe most reliable short pass in football, played with the inside surface of the foot for accuracy over a short to medium distance.
- HeaderA technique for controlling or striking the ball with the forehead in football, used to pass, shoot or clear the ball in the air.
- Chest PassA two-handed pass thrown directly from chest height in a straight line to a teammate, the most basic pass in basketball and netball.
- LayupA close-range basketball shot taken while moving toward the basket, laying the ball softly off the backboard or over the rim.
- PlankA static core exercise that holds the body in a straight line supported on the forearms and toes.
Skills Academy
- Object-control skillsHandling a ball or implement — controlling, receiving, passing and moving it with intent.
- Ball-sport skillsThe skills that recur across ball games — control, passing, dribbling, shooting and defending.
- Locomotor skillsMoving the body efficiently — running, sprinting, changing pace and getting into position.
Rules
- TravelingA basketball violation for moving illegally with the ball without dribbling it.
- Foot faultA serving fault called when the server's foot touches the baseline or court before striking the ball.
- Handball offenceA foul in football committed when an outfield player deliberately handles or controls the ball with the hand or arm.
- Throw-inThe method of restarting football when the ball fully crosses a side line, taken by throwing it back into play.
- Three-hit ruleThe volleyball rule that a team may contact the ball at most three times before it must cross the net.
Decision making
- When to keep possessionJudging when to hold and recycle the ball rather than force a forward option — choosing patience and control over immediate progress.
- Positioning choicesDeciding where to place yourself — often before the ball arrives — to cover space, stay ready to act and shape what an opponent can do.
- Transition decisionsThe choices made at the moment a situation flips — winning or losing the ball, and switching between attack and defence.