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 is required to maintain absolute balance and the leg with which ball is to be kicked at is bent at the knee. Both position and control to kick the ball appears from below the knee.
In soccer practice, this is the starting position for almost all types of kicks. 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. Still, the style of kick that would emerge would depend upon the nature of contact of the ball with the foot.
For example; it could be thumped very high, driven low, turn sharply to the left, or move to the right.
There are three basic passes in soccer namely, a side foot pass, the outside of the foot pass, and the instep drive. Let’s now discuss them some more.
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. Although this pass is slightly slow and almost predictable, it’s very simple to teach the kids and perform accurately. The contact with the ball is made on the inside of the ankle and the foot with the foot turned outwards.
When you are in the midst of coaching soccer drills, teach the players to be at ease with respect to their body. When it comes to different kicking actions, this rule is the truly indispensable. The ankle and the foot should be stiffened only at the time of 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 pass is a little complex to teach and learn but it must be learnt well as it’s the quickest, most accurate, and unpredictable pass. The ball gets in touch between the outside edge of the foot and the laces with the foot extended and turned inwards. With the help of the foot, the pass is modified into a quick flick for short distances.
In coaching drills, it’s imperative that the players maintain a comfortable posture.
The Instep Drive: Both the versions of the instep drive namely, lofted version and the low driven version are applied to pass the ball to longer distances. There is also an option to adapt this style to make a “chip pass” or an “in swinging pass”. 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 then, go on and train your players on these basic techniques of kicking along with the variations so that the ball does little different things.
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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.
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