Know how to Soccer hop? Ever heard the term soccer hop? Nope, not a dance from the fifty's. The soccer hop is term that we us to describe the move you want to do just before you touch the soccer ball on a shot or receiving the ball or before you pass. The hop is one of the most important parts of any kick you do. It helps you get into the proper position to strike the ball with control. Here's what I mean.

The first thing you need to know how to soccer hop is to get into the athletic position. Knees slightly bent, shoulders forward over your knees, and get up the balls of your feet. That position will allow you to shift your weight side to side or move forward or backward quickly. While in this position when the ball comes to you, take a small HOP, when you land you want the leg you plan on kicking or controlling the ball with to stay in there air. The other foot is going to be what we call the plant foot. That's the soccer hop.

Now you know how to soccer hop, lets break that down a little further for the purpose of first, receiving the ball. As the ball is getting close to you, take that small hop, relax your kicking foot (just think wet noodle). With your receiving foot relaxed, land on your plant foot and allow the ball to make contact with the foot. With the foot relaxed and allowing it to make contact, you should be able to control the ball and keep it very close to you so you can then make your next move. So you have just received the ball, have control of it and made your next move.

Now I want to explain how to soccer hop into a pass and or a shot. You already have control and you have a little space, so lets take a shot. Tap the ball forward, and approach it. When you are close enough to take one last step, you want to take that hop. Hop into the shot, your plant foot should land next to the ball. Not behind it because that would cause the ball to rise to much. Not in front of the ball because that would cause the ball to stay on the ground and take away the power. Now with your plant foot next to the ball, load your kicking leg and blast the ball, remember to keep proper form on the shot.

Once you learn how to soccer hop you will gain power and control of all your shots. And when you receive the ball you will be able to keep the ball close. I see players that don't use the hop or the soft relaxed foot lose the ball on a regular basis because it bounces to far from them. With the hop you can not only recieve the ball and keep it close but you can transition into your next move! Learn the move and remember to Keep it Fun!