Masterclass: Xavi on passing and control
Friday, September 12, 2014
Article summary
In the first of a new series of UEFA Champions League masterclasses from UEFA Training Ground, FC Barcelona's Xavi Hernández gives his tips on passing and control.
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Key tips
• You have to shape your body correctly – whether you control the ball with your knee or your chest, you need to be positioned in the right way.
• To control the ball when you are moving, lift your head before you receive it and interpret the play. Know where you want the ball to go once you have it.
• You must know where your opponent is coming from so you can decide to turn inside or out.
• Control the ball with the bottom part of your foot or you can use your instep – or even directional control to get away from your opponent.
• Different players prefer different types of pass: directly to feet or into space. Andrés Iniesta likes passes to feet, Fernando Torres likes passes into space.
Xavi says ...
"A key factor in Spain's UEFA EURO 2008 success was our midfield – Marcos Senna, Cesc Fàbregas, Andrés Iniesta and David Silva all know how to control and pass."
Next step ... Ball control drills
There are loads of other star skills and drills, plus plenty more, on UEFA Training Ground
