When dribbling a soccer ball in a confined space, a player should aim to do which of the following?

Keeping the ball close to the feet while dribbling in a confined space is crucial for maintaining control and maneuverability. When the ball is positioned close, the player can make quick adjustments and maintain possession even in tight situations. This allows for more responsive changes in direction and speed, which are often necessary when evading defenders or navigating limited space.

In contrast, keeping the ball far from the feet can lead to loss of control and may make it easier for opponents to intercept the ball. A wide stance can hinder balance and reduce agility, as it may constrain the player's ability to quickly adjust their position. Using long strides is less effective in confined spaces, where short, quick steps are often needed to maintain control and react swiftly to the environmental constraints and potential threats from other players. Thus, keeping the ball close to the feet is the optimal strategy for effective dribbling in tight scenarios.