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

PROGRESSION

Kicking the ball with the inside of the foot when the ball is off the ground requires a moderate change of technique.

Moderate though that change is, it still requires a great deal of practice as maintaining accuracy is more difficult than side footing the ball on the ground.

The following technical points should be considered: -

(1) There is a far greater bend of the knee on the kicking foot when the ball is in the air.
(2) Generally the back lift and follow through are shorter, with emphasis placed on keeping the knee joint locked to give accuracy and added strength.
(3) Full concentration is required, eyes on the ball all the time, for real success.
(4) Quite often the body is leaning slightly backwards, arms out sidewards giving balance.

Practice 1

To begin, players should be given a simple exercise of getting the technique right.

Player (A) 2 metres away from player (B) (NO FURTHER). (A) lobs the ball, and (B) volleys it back with the inside of the foot (before it touches the ground) and into A's hands. Players can reserve roles, and they should be encouraged to use both feet. Practice 2 The distance can be increased to 10 metres again with all the above points mentioned in place. N.B. The accuracy of the throw is important and coaches should insist on (B's) return being accurate to (A). Practice 3 For continual practice to improve the technique a suspended ball can be used

A football can be tied to a cord or string, suspended from a high beam. The coach swings the ball gently then player (A) comes in to continually use the inside of the foot, playing it as many times as possible first time. Players can allow the ball to swing past occasionally, but coaches should look for repetitive practice.