Do defenders need permission to control a bouncing ball?

The players need clear permission to control it when the picture allows. I would use a practice where defenders receive bouncing balls with different levels of pressure. Give them three possible solutions: secure the ball, play first time, or clear the danger. The coach changes the pressure so the answer cannot be the same every repetition. A useful question is: what did you know before the ball arrived? If there is time and support, bringing the ball down may help the team keep possession. If the forward is close or the bounce is unpredictable, clearing it can still be the best decision. Praise the recognition, not only the controlled touch. Confidence grows when defenders know that a mistake while making a sensible decision will not immediately produce a negative reaction from the adults. Begin with a server, one defender and a target teammate. Vary the bounce and let the defender decide whether to control, pass first time or clear. Then add one recovering attacker who arrives late rather than starting tight. The pressure grows, but the player still has time to recognise the picture and choose.