Skills: 4 ways to practice chipping the ball

One of the most useful skills a young player can add to his/her toolbox is the ability to chip a ball. Chip the keeper, chip the defensive wall or chip from the edge of the box to cause chaos in the penalty area.

It is something players can perfect on their own in the back yard once a coach has given them the technique to chip the ball.

Try these sessions that I use when I’m getting my players to adopt the skill of chipping the ball.

Let’s start with How to chip the ball – players need to hone their technique so they can use it in a match when they are 1v1 with the goalkeeper or chip the ball over the defence.

Now we can move on to simple chipping exercises. Flick n chips will increase players’ “feel” for the ball, making them more comfortable with passing and receiving.

For younger players you need to give them something that is fun but gets across the idea of chipping the ball. Chippy is a great session to have fun with younger players.

Finally at the end of your coaching sessions this is a great way to get players to pick up all the balls … by chipping them into the ball bag. How to teach chipping is one of my favourite sessions and one you can try yourself or get your fellow coaches to try to do!

How to chip the ball
Flick ‘n’ chips
Chippy
How to teach chipping