Ball controlSetting
Ball-Control Practice
A compact 60-minute practice for keeping the ball playable and connecting controlled contacts with teammates.
At a glance
60 minutes 4–16 playersMiddle schoolBeginner · IntermediateOpen printable handoutPractice goals
What this session should accomplish.
- Control the ball upward and toward teammates.
- Communicate before contact.
- Build toward three organized touches.
Practice timeline
60 minutes, start to finish
- 0:00to 5:00Block 01 · 5 min
Ball-control warm-up
Start touching the ball immediately.
Run it
- In pairs, alternate easy tosses, passes, and sets.
Say this
Control first.Talk before contact. - 5:00to 17:00Block 02 · 12 minFull drill
One-Ball Cooperative
Keep a shared ball alive with control.
Run it
- Run the linked drill.
Say this
Give your teammate time.Stay balanced. - 17:00to 29:00Block 03 · 12 minFull drill
Two-Touch Control
Improve the first touch before sending the ball on.
Run it
- Run the linked drill.
Say this
First touch up.Second touch to a teammate. - 29:00to 39:00Block 04 · 10 minFull drill
Window Setting
Create a high, useful second contact.
Run it
- Run the linked drill.
Say this
Window early.Finish tall. - 39:00to 55:00Block 05 · 16 minFull drill
Three-Contact Challenge
Organize contacts in a game-like setting.
Run it
- Run small-sided games and award a bonus for three contacts.
Say this
First ball up.Second ball helpful.Third ball safely over. - 55:00to 60:00Block 06 · 5 min
Three-contact recap
Reinforce the purpose of each contact.
Run it
- Have the team say what each of the three contacts should accomplish.
Say this
Playable is progress.
Make it fit
Useful adaptations
- Allow one catch per rally for new players.
- For advanced groups, require directional third contacts.
- On half a court, run all cooperative drills across the width.
Closing message
“Ball control means making the next touch easier. Our goal is not perfection—it is helping the team stay organized.”