I’m not sure if you know this but young players have real trouble in kicking the ball by using a straight leg? In coaching soccer drills, this is by far the biggest problem that a coach and the players face. The player keeps overall balance and the leg to be used to kick the ball is bent at the knee. Both posture and strength to kick the ball comes out from below the knee.
This is the starting point for almost all styles of kicks in soccer practice. The acceleration of the foot from below the knee creates a powerful impact on the ball. The players get immense power from this to perform several styles of kicks. Yet, it is the kind of contact of the ball with the foot that decides what type of kick would originate.
For example; it could be thumped very high, driven low, turn sharply to the left, or move to the right.
There are three vital passes in soccer i.e. a side foot pass, the outside of the foot pass, and the instep drive. Let’s discuss them further.
The side foot pass: This is the easiest and the most widely used pass in teaching soccer. This is by and large applied to make short distance passes. Despite the fact that this is somewhat slow and predictable, it’s easy to learn and simple to execute. The ball touches the inside of the foot and the ankle with the foot turned outwards.
In coaching soccer drills, players should know that their body need not be tense during the movement with the ball. This is the most basic rule with all types of kicking actions. The ankle and the foot need to be stiffened only at the time when the players is about to get in contact with the ball.
After the players are confident in it’s execution, their action should appear comfortable, smooth, and natural.
Outside of the foot pass: Since this pass can never be predicted, is pretty accurate and quick, players must be trained on this even though it’s a little tough to master. The ball gets in touch between the outside edge of the foot and the laces with the foot extended and turned inwards. By using the foot, the pass is converted into a quick toss for short distances.
In coaching drills, it’s imperative that the players maintain a comfortable posture.
The Instep Drive: Both the versions of instep drive i.e. the low driven version and the lofted version are brought into play to pass the ball over longer distances. Once the players are confident in executing it, make a “chip pass” or an “in swinging pass” by introducing some changes in it. As the approach of the instep drive is slightly angled and the non kicking foot is placed about 12 inches to the side of and behind the ball.
The contact with the ball is made between the laces and the inside of the foot and it should be stiff and extended.
So now coach your kids the various techniques of kicking the ball and with variations to let them do different things with the ball.
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Andre Botelho is a recognized authority in youth soccer coaching and has already helped thousands of youth coaches to dramatically improve their coaching skills. Learn how to explode your players’ skills and make training fun by downloading your free ebook at: Soccer Training Drills.
Tags: coaching drills, coaching soccer drills, Soccer practice, teaching soccer