Striking out

Coaches,

Teach your players to strike the ball properly……..please!

 

Striking a ball correctly is one of the most basic and important skills that an emerging player needs to learn. Sadly though, it is potentially the most neglected of all fundamental skills. In some cases the only instruction a developing player will receive is, “Kick the ball with your laces.” That’s like coaching little league and simply telling your kids to hit the ball with the bat. Alas, “How very wet this water is.”

“The problem at this point is that there is a problem.”

Understanding that there is a problem is the first step in correcting it. How is that for cliché?

Many well-meaning youth soccer organizations heavily rely on parents to volunteer their time as the leagues’ coaches. This is an admirable thing to do as a parent, but because soccer is still an emerging sport in America, many of these coaches don’t have much exposure to the game. Few have played the game and even fewer follow the sport as they do with other major league sports. These coaches find they are now responsible for learning the very fundamentals of a sport they are trying to teach. I’m sincere when I applaud these efforts, but it’s no wonder that some aspects of the game are overlooked.

As players age, many become involved at a higher level of play. At this point it is expected that these players already have a grasp on fundamental skills. True, the coaching at this level is more experienced, but because of the higher expectations, fundamentals can once again be over looked.

This isn’t just an issue at the youth level. I’ve had plenty of exposure with talented footballers, many of whom play at a competitive level. Although talented, some athletes remain unable to properly strike a ball, shoot with precision, adequately play with both feet or even clear a goal kick past mid-field. However, these same players are efficient with dribbling, passing, creating plays and other aspects of the game. How is it that learning this particular fundamental skill is slipping through the cracks?

Perhaps the problem lies with just how BASIC of a basic skill we are dealing with. I mean, who can’t kick a ball, right? There’s a perception that the lesson begins and ends with teaching an athlete to use the proper part of his/her foot. But just like swinging a golf club or pitching a baseball, there are proper body mechanics that need to be learned in order to get the most out of your kick. I argue that body mechanics aren’t being taught as they should.

Fortunately the solution is simple. If you’re a player, make sure you seek out and understand striking mechanics. If you’re a coach, do the same. Then focus on your coaching players with what you’ve learned. Development of this skill is largely dependent on repetition. After learning the proper mechanics of a strike get out on the field and work on your form. After all, you only need a ball and some space for practice.

Our friends at SideLineSoccer.com have put together a couple of great instructional pages on the basic body mechanics of proper shooting and passing. They offer some well written and valuable insight for both players and coaches. It’s a nice model for developing players. Just follow the links.

                              

http://www.sidelinesoccer.com/the-basic-pass

http://www.sidelinesoccer.com/the-basic-shot

In addition to what you learned at SideLineSoccer.com; here are a few more tips I’ve picked up…..

- When working on striking mechanics, it can be psychologically helpful to practice by kicking the ball just a few feet in front of the net. This technique offers the advantage of focusing on body mechanics and not on where or how far the ball travels. It can be particularly helpful to young players who become discourage easily when they don’t get the lift or distance they are hoping for. Lift and distance will fall in line after the mechanics are sorted out. (Particularly helpful for goalies and goal kicks).

- Bringing your foot forward to strike a ball is not a natural mechanical movement for your body to perform. Think about it; when you walk, your body naturally swings your leg forward, toe first, with very little leg flexing and foot extension (This is why so many kids “toe” the ball). Asking your body to perform any task that is naturally uncommon takes repetition to perfect. Reassure the player that it takes a lot of practice to train your muscles into remembering what they are being told to do. With practice and repetition muscle remembrance will occur and they won’t have to think about their form as much. Reminding the young player of these natural difficulties will keep them from becoming discouraged.

- Point your hips, shoulders and plant foot at your target.

- Don’t concern yourself with bending the ball until body mechanics are learned.

- Striking is a VERY important skill for goalies to work on.

- Players, it is your coaches’ responsibility to offer you instruction and guidance for your development. But you also have a responsibility to get out on the field and put in the time and effort to hone your skills.

More tips for coaches…

 - There are ways to creatively work striking into your practice. For example, try to figure out some way to incorporate striking into your established drills.

- Consider simplifying your drills for the younger players. Elaborate drill patterns are difficult for most players younger than 12 to catch on to. You will end up spending more time teaching your players how to run the drill instead of actually performing it. 

- Challenge yourself and try to run an entire practice without the use of cones.

- Try not to put your players in lines. Keep their feet on the ball as much as possible during a practice. This will develop foot skills and keep them from getting bored.

-Develop a players’ less dominant foot.

- Try using video to review your players form with them.

Patrick Lofgren