Chest traps are pretty easy to learn to do, and most players can get moderate success in just one session.

Coaching points:

1. Put the feet about shoulder width apart or a bit wider, knees bent, pull arms/elbows back to flatten the chest as the ball arrives…

In order to develop a quality first touch on the ball, it is essential that players learn to be able to control (basically, to “catch” and redirect) a ball coming in from the air. Two of the key body surfaces which they will use to catch air balls are the foot or with the thigh….

The key to catching the ball with the foot is to turn the knee of the receiving foot inward a bit so that the foot is flattened and allow the thigh to “give” as the ball comes in so that the foot is catching the ball and then tossing it back up. Tell the players to be sure to use the thigh/hip for movement and to leave the lower leg still….

NOTE: I would NOT do an entire practice on heading at any level as, truthfully, too many repetitions can begin to hurt! I would, rather, run through the basic steps in 1-5 below as a part of practice over the course of a few weeks. I would then move to the more “advanced games”, which incorporate not only the basics but tactics and service of the ball, as much as necessary to be sure all is going well.
Everything through item #9 below is appropriate for players U-10 and above.
#10 is more for U-12 while # 11 is definitely for older players, primarily because of the difficulty in getting good service from the wings. While the basics of heading should be introduced early, be aware that the ball simply does not get up into the air enough to require heading until somewhere around the U-12—U-14 age groups…

When a player wants to kick a ball with optimum power, the instep drive is the technique that is most often used. On the center top of the foot, towards the inside is a hard bone. This is the primary contact point for the instep drive. Because of the proximity on this point to the shoe laces, some refer to this as the “laces” kick which may be a good reference point for young players, even though the contact point may be just inside of the laces…

The laces kick (a.k.a. instep drive) and the driven pass are very similar in terms of technique. The primary difference is that, in the driven pass, the player typically will want to keep an eye on play and has less of a need for added power on the pass. As a result, the player usually will not run through the pass or add any type of snap to the pass.

On the other hand, when a player wants to take a very hard low, shot like a penalty kick, additional power is needed. Also, smaller players will often need to add a significant follow-through to most shots in order to get enough power.