CONTROL
SHOOTING
PASSING
DRIBBLING
TURNING
HEADING
CREATE SPACE
INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING
SUPPORT PLAY
GOALKEEPING
CROSSING
TACKLING
THE THROW IN
ATTACKING SET PLAYS
DEFENDING SET PLAYS
THE FREE KICK
PASSING
Please select a subsection from the topics below :
 Sidefoot pass    Progression   In tight areas  
 With varying distances    Playing against the touchline  
 Passing on the run    With opposition involved  
   Two players against one    Further two against one practices  
 Passing in tight areas with a shot at goal   Kicking the ball  
 Progression    Progression II  
 Exercises for passing with the inside of the foot I  & II
 Progression III    Passing with place changing 
 Passing for accuracy    Volleying the ball   Kicking the ball


KICKING THE BALL

Most people can kick a football, but kicking it with accuracy, and arriving at its destination at the right speed and height is a slightly different thing.
Different techniques are required for passes, shots at goal, centres from the flank, and volleyed clearances, yet each require many of the same techniques e.g. good balance, eyes on the ball, and the position of the non-kicking foot.

Good technique is crucial, so each type of kick needs careful consideration.

Inside of the Foot
The inside of the foot implies the area marked in red, figure (1) from the base of the big toe to the central area of the heal, i.e. under the ankle bone on the inside of the foot.

This is one of the 'safest' ways to make contact with the ball and one that players use to try and ensure accuracy - rather than power.

Technique

1. Body over the ball, eyes looking at the ball
2. Non kicking foot alongside the ball at the moment of contact
3. The kicking foot turned outwards from hip hight exposing the inside of the foot to the ball
4. No great backlift is needed
5. Aim out to the side (just above the hip height) to give balance
6. At the moment of contact the knee and ankle joints are held firm so as to give more strength and accuracy to the kick.


Figure 1
 

Players can work at the technique themselves by: -

Playing the ball against the wall at varying distances and using the inside of BOTH FEET. To begin, players can be allowed to control with one touch before playing the ball against the wall. To progress players should play continuously back to the wall so there is sharp repetitive practice.

THIS LOOKS EASIER THAN IT ACTUALLY IS, AND COACHES SHOULD INSIST ON GOOD PRACTICE, USING BOTH FEET, AND AT VARYING DISTANCES.

Figure 2

 
If difficulties are experienced coaches can: -

1. Make players go through the kicking movement on its own - without the ball
2. Start the practice with players kicking a stationary ball - with the player standing over the ball
3. Progressing he takes one pace before kicking, then moving back to 3-4-5 metres, approaching at varying speeds to the stationary ball
4. Progressing to a ball rolling slowly and the player adjusting his body position before kicking the ball