Soccer Chest Trap

PREPARATION PHASE

ACTION PHASE

FOLLOW THROUGH PHASE

Bilaterally flex elbows to a 90 degree angle, in the sagittal plane, around the mediolateral axis of rotation. Extend trunk back about 20 degrees so you are slightly leaning back. Slightly flex at the knees. When the ball is above you in the air, while leaning back, be ready to receive the ball. Collapse your body slightly to cushion the ball, so it doesn't bounce far off of your chest. A correct chest trap should leave the ball directly in front of you, taking the force off the ball.

SHOULDERS

The shoulder girdles and shoulder joints are neutral.

ELBOWS

Elbow joints are flexed 90 degrees, using the biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis muscles.

KNEES

Knee joints are bilaterally flexed slightly.

DRILLS

An effective drill to practice the chest trap is to start by giving each player their own ball, and just practice throwing it up a few feet above their head and letting it bounce off the chest. After they get comfortable, have them toss it up to themselves, this time cushioning the ball with their chest slightly by collapsing to cradle the ball. After they get comfortable with the actual trap, have them work with a partner, tossing it to eachother and practicing chest traps from a distance.