Whether you use a wet field [grass or turf] or you get a tarp and 5 gallons of water, you’re going to be challenged and have fun. The hardest part is the speed of the ball as it skips off the wet surface. It’s more difficult than most can imagine:) Once you get used to it your confidence and reflexes will increase and once you’re playing on a dry pitch it will be much easier to control the ball.
Wet surface finishing inside the box
Using a wet tarp and 5 gallons of water we challenged Emma to finish balls skipped in off the wet surface.
The day we filmed this video the temperature was 108 degrees and the weather app said it felt like 117…
July in Texas is no joke!
Our first 1 hour session we had a goal keeper [wish I filmed it] taking shots and volleys 18 yards out off the wet surface…
Then the player who shot would make a run in the box and try to finish a ball crossed in [skipping off the wet tarp].
The second session was Emma [college player] who did a great job finishing inside the box.
Why do the pros water the pitch on game day
Did you know that the pro clubs water the pitch during halftime and just before the game starts?
The reason is to speed up the play, as the ball moves faster on a wet surface.
When players have good control the fast surface makes the game look better due to the speed of play being faster.
Learn how to play pro worldwide
The day after a rainy day
The day of or after it rains go up to the turf fields and pass the ball back and forth with a friend…
Although, don’t tear up the field!
Practice passing from different distances…
Pass some on the ground and in the air to where it bounces/skips right before it gets to your teammate/friend.
It’s easy to see when someone isn’t used to playing on a wet field. In other words, they have a hard time trying to control the ball…
It’s much more difficult which is great if you’re up for the challenge.
Training on your own
Having a partner or more helps with certain elements, but training solo is one of the best things you can do.
Whether it’s a wet surface or not, kicking the ball against a wall is by far one of the best ways to improve 1st touch and passing.
When the grass or turf is wet go practice solo.
Kick the ball against the wall so that when it comes back to you it’s bouncing or skipping at you.
Your reaction / reflexes will improve along with your first touch.
Wet surface pros and cons
Pros
- If you can control a ball on a wet surface you’ll be able to on a dry pitch.
- Advanced players love the challenge.
- You’ll be better prepared when it rains during a match.
Cons
- Training too much on wet grass will damage the field IF you stay in the same place for too long.
- Novice players won’t benefit from training on a wet surface because it makes it much more difficult to control the ball.
- If you live in a dry or cold climate you will have a hard time being able to try this. A 5 gallon water jug and a big tarp will do the job though:)
Our Most Popular Posts:
- 3 ways to strike the ball with power
- How to boost confidence in soccer
- 8 best 1st- touch drills
- Expert dribbling tips
- Goal side defending
Follow @GFTskills on Social Media