Would you be surprised if I let you know that it’s really tricky for the young players to kick the ball with a straight leg? In coaching soccer drills, this is by far the biggest problem that a coach and the players face. The player has to be in total balance and the leg used for kicking the ball is bent at the knee. Both poise and power to kick the ball comes 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. This gives players the power to execute a variety of kicks. However, what type of a kick would it be is determined by the precise contact of the foot on the ball.
For example; it could be thumped very high, driven low, turn sharply to the left, or move to the right.
The three essential passes in soccer are a side foot pass, instep drive, and the outside of the foot pass. Let’s talk about them further.
The side foot pass: In teaching soccer, the simplest and the most commonly used pass is this. This is usually employed to make short distance passes. While this pass can be easily predicted and is a little slow, it is extremely simple to learn and easy to carry out. The foot turned outward, ball comes into contact on the outside of the ankle and the foot.
In coaching soccer drills, the players should be trained to keep their bodies relaxed all through the action. The most essential rule pertaining to various kicking action is this. Players should strengthen the ankle and the foot only at the time of making 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: This is a little difficult to learn but is extremely important to master because it is accurate, quick, and cannot be predicted. The ball makes a contact between the laces and the outside edge of the foot, when the foot is extended and turned inward. 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 lofted version and the low driven version of the instep drive are used 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. 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, go forward and make the kids try different things with the ball by teaching them the basic kicking techniques as well its variations.
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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