Checking (Stopping) the Ball:  With the ball moving forwaed at a slow roll put the plant foot (usually the non-dominant foot) beside the ball and do a quick hop on the plant foot as soon as it comes down.   While you are airborne with the hop, lightly tap the top of the ball with the opposite foot (which will naturally be coming over the ball in the normal stride).  DO NOT put any weight on the tapping foot.  Avery slight tap on the ball will cause it to stop.  Continue forward to land on the tapping foot, then turn back to get the ball.  Older players will be able to turn in the air and do a "rooster-tail" type of hockey stop (landing with the foot already turned sideways so that they can immediately push off the opposite direction).

    A)  Have each player with the ball simply dribble around and work on stopping the ball with a check (stop) move.  This move is not as hard as it sounds and most players U8 and above can master it without real difficulty.

    B)  Make the players play 1v1 using their dribbling skills and practice the check move.

    C)  Form three columns with the players facing down field.   At your command the first row starts dribbling forward, when the command is given, the players are to check the ball and start dribbling to the right.  When the command is given, again the players are to check the ball and start dribbling forward again.   When the command is given again the players check the ball and start dribbling to their left etc.  Allow plenty of space to accomplish the exercise.  When finished send the next row and repeat until they, all practice the skill.

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