Tuesday 1 December 2009
Saturday 28 November 2009
Soccer Moves and Tricks Bible!
Hooray!!! Your official soccer bible is here! Don’t leave home without it.
This guide will hopefull cover every single aspect of the game and help round your game.
The Rabona- The rabona is a move which is executed by striking the ball the opposite way a normal kick would be done, this is done by kicking the ball with your right/left leg behind you supporting leg. Flexibility is not going to affect how well you do this so don’t use it as an excuse to not try. When striking the ball use your instep (the top of your foot or laces) not your toe because if you strike it with your toe the ball won’t get any height. The rabona takes forever to learn and at first your progress will not be seen. This is why many people give up. What they don’t know is that they are making progress and eventually it just clicks.
The Roulette- this move is a very easy move to learn but takes a while to master it. This move may also be known as the 360, the maradona move, and the spin move. Different types of the roulette have been explored which can be done with back heels, inside of feet, and soles of feet. When executing this move have ball directly in front of you, pull the ball back and while turning back use your other foot to pull the ball back.
The Kerlon Seal Dribble- This is a move in which the player runs while juggling the ball on his head. The process of learning this move is simple; basically just try juggling the ball on your head while running, however it takes a very long time to learn.
Fake Shot Roulette- Same as a roulette except first touch should be a fake shot. If done properly the opponent will rotate in one direction.
Cruyff spin- The cruyff spin is a move that takes a moderate time to get comfortable with, when mastered your touches will be faster and less heavy. This move is basically a cruyff turn then immediately you spin and take the ball with the foot you did the cruyff turn with.
Aiden Mcgeady Turn- This move is very similar to the cruyff spin except when taking the second touch hit it with your supporting foot.
Stepover- Very basic move, step over the ball and take the ball. Variations of this move are to take it with the foot you did the stepover with; the other is to take the ball with the foot you didn’t do the stepover with. Many times these moves are repeated or thrown in with scissors.
Stepover Pull- Step over the ball then with the foot you didn’t do the stepover with kick the ball behind your leg and accelerate. Takes a while to get do it smoothly.
Cruyff Turn- When approaching the ball fake a shot and take the ball with the inside of your foot the opposite way behind your supporting leg. The better the fake shot the more effective this move is.
Roll Around- While having your back turned to the opponent place inside of foot on the center of the ball and turn with the ball attached to your foot. This move is most successful when there is much space behind the opponent because it will be easily intercepted if there is someone waiting behind him.
Cruyff Chop- While running jump slightly and chop the ball from your right side to your left behind your supporting leg, visa- versa. Move is very useful when an opponent is diagonally to your left/ right.
Drag Stepover- A stepover done while stationary, this move is very affective. If you are using your right foot drag the ball to your left while doing a scissor, this move can be built on with further moves.
Ronaldo Combination- Do a drag stepover hit it back and snap your leg. You’ll find your opponent staring at the ball on his heels, now just accelerate. This move is easily learned, however. Speed is vital.
Roll Stepover- Roll the ball across your body and do a stepover. This move is one of the most effective in the game, I highly suggest it. Like many other moves speed is vital.
Fake Rabona- Very elaborate move and is not very effective unless you have done a rabona in that game or are known for your rabona. You can also do this move to just show off too.
Elastico- Also known as the snake, flip flap, akka, virgule, and the one move that Ronaldhino does. To execute this move properly you must push the ball diagonally out then in, all in one motion. Your first touch should not be below the center of the ball or else your second touch will go flying up in the air and your opponent’s body will stop the ball.
Hocus Pocus- This move is very hard to learn, this is an elastico performed behind the leg. I have never seen someone do this move while the ball is rolling so I’d say it would be a stationary move. Your first touch shouldn’t be too heavy or the ball will go flying off to your side.
Hocus Pocus In The Air- This move is the same thing as a hocus pocus except in the air. While performing this move flick the ball up behind your leg and in the same motion kick it down across your body. Very elaborate and when pulled of is a real crowd pleaser.
Roll Stop (Outside Version) - This move is nothing more than a small move but can be very effective when followed by another move. This move is a good way to start moving the ball. In order to execute it you must roll the ball outwards and stop it with the inside of your foot.
Roll Stop (Inside Version)- This move is the same as the Roll Stop (Outside Version) except you roll the ball across your body and stop it with the outside of your foot.
Heel Pass- Moderate difficulty in learning, however it is very hard to have accuracy in the pass. In order to execute this move you must have the ball on the outside of your foot, then you must heel the ball to your other heel.
Triple Elastico- Extremely difficult but is a very fun move to watch. Instead of thinking of doing a triple elastico think of taking a touch across your body then performing an elastico. With plenty of practice you will be able to do this move.
Reverse Elastico- Instead of doing the elastico from outside to inside, do this move inside to outside. This move is slightly easier than the regular elastico.
Stepover Reverse Elastico- Do a stepover followed by a reverse elastico, this move is a very good move when facing an opponent in a small area.
Elastico In The Air- An elastico performed with an airborne ball. Takes a while to learn and isn’t too prevalent to a game situation.
Reverse Elastico In The Air- Same thing as an elastico in the air except it’s from inside to outside. Slightly easier to learn.
Backwards Elastico- In order to execute this move you must take a touch diagonally to your outside then your second touch must take the ball behind you. This is a good move when you have your back to the opponent and your are facing the sidelines.
Push Stepover- Push the ball outwards then doing a stepover, this is a lot like the drag stepover except reversed. This move is very useful if you have your back facing the sidelines and you need to explode down the flanks.
Unique Scissor- In order to execute this move you must instead of exploding after you do a scissor you must kick the ball against the inside of the foot you did the scissor with. The key here is to extend very far when doing the scissor, not only the move will be more effective, you will avoid getting the ball stuck between your legs. If you do the stepover to close to the ball the ball won’t be able to bounce.
Stepover Do Salto- I made up this move myself or at least I think I did. While doing a stepover you must kick the ball against the outside of your foot and the ball while bounce behind you. Very hard move to learn and is most useful when along the sidelines.
Pull Kick Back- In order to execute this move properly in a game situation, you must have to practice this move so you do not lose control and you know where the ball will go. This move can be used two ways. One way is to nutmeg an opponent, when the opponent reaches in, pull the ball back and kick it between his legs. When your opponent reaches in only then try to attempt the nutmeg or else this move will be pointless because it will just roll to his feet. The other way is to have to make the opponent turn. When an opponent is parallel with you, you can do this move to make the ball go behind the opponent this causes your opponent to turn, or if you get lucky to even fall, this is when you accelerate.
Scissor Cruyff Chop- This move is easy to explain but pulling of this move is harder than it looks, do a stepover then immediately do a Cruyff chop, make sure your Cruyff chop at the end is behind the leg you did the stepover with or else it will hit it.
Double Cruyff Chop- Do a Cruyff Chop then do another Cruyff chop first touch. Another way of explaining this is to hit it with the inside of your feet. This is a useful move if an opponent is coming straight at you from your side.
Rainbow- This moves takes a long time to learn and is not commonly used in professional matches because it can be very risky. There are many versions of doing the rainbow; I’m not sure how to explain many other versions besides mine. When first learning this move it takes a long time to get it, so keep on trying and you’ll eventually learn. In order to execute this move you must place the ball between your heel and the inside of your foot. If you’re right footed put your left foot in front of your right foot. Now have the ball pressed up directly on your heel and if you’re right footed move the ball slightly to the right so it is on the right side/ inside part of your heel. Now while leaning forward roll the ball up your leg and immediately after kick your left heel up.
Reverse scissor- Very basic move, just do a scissor then instead of using the outside of the foot to explode push the ball across your body with the inside of your foot. Speed is vital.
Scissor- Very basic move, make a half circle around the top of the ball, really use your body to make it look like your going the direction you faked it to be and explode the other way with the outside of your foot. Speed is vital.
Flick Heel- This move is useful when you are on the last line of defenders and someone passes the ball to your feet. Flicked the ball up then immediately heel the ball over the defender and explode. Make sure there is plenty of room behind the defender so it isn’t easily intercepted.
90 Stop Go- In order to execute this move you must pull the ball back then push it over with the inside of your foot forming a 90 degree angle, stop the ball then accelerate. Sounds harder than it is. Moderate difficulty, good to use to get space for a pass.
Are your shots your best part of the game? When the keeper walks on the pitch does he know you’re the one he should look out for? And what makes a good shot?
Generally, a good shot should have no spin on it, with the occasional exception. You can break shooting down into it’s fundamentals. A lot of times people don’t realize but everyone has their own shooting style. Don’t force yourself to copy someone’s style, follow these steps and see what works for you. The best drill to do for shooting is to group many balls at the top of the eighteen take a touch, shoot. Run around get another take a touch, shoot. At a fast pace too!
1. This is generally overlooked but remember to lock your ankle. Practice this by just tossing a ball a foot over your head and hit it with your locked foot so it should have no spin. A locked ankle is nothing without hitting the instep. The instep is what makes a shot have its power. A shot will never be good without a solid strike on the instep. You can locate the instep by placing your finger on your toe and slowly moving it up to the bone. The spot where the bone is the largest is the sweet spot for your strikes.
2. CENTER OF THE BALL!!! I can’t stress the importance of this enough. The ball must be struck in the center or else it will spin…usually with backspin. Your instep should strike it right in the center. You should feel the ball just bounce of your instep. Almost like you are kicking a big ball of air. The science behind this is because a spinning ball creates more air resistance a non spinning ball will fly a lot faster throughout the air, also a non spinning ball can be more susceptible to dipping and swerving through the air making it harder for the keeper.
3. Following through, this is usually explained by the “hop”. This hop is just another way of following through. But you have to realize that the hop is not necessary and will come naturally, so don’t force yourself. Many times a powerful strike will come from a shot that doesn’t end in a hop, just a follow through. Two variations of following through is as we discussed the “hop” and lifting your leg after the shot. When lifting your leg after the shot you are not literally lifting your leg vertically, you are merely raising your leg to get your whole bodies motion into the ball. When following through feel like the ball isn’t there and almost shoot through it.
4. When shooting remember to keep your eye on the ball. Have you ever seen Juninho shoot one of his legendary free kicks? Look at his preparation to the shot, involves a lot of staring at the ball right? This is because it is key to keep your eye on the ball. Know how you’re going to shoot, know what the shot will look like. Also keeping your eye on where the ball should be placed in the net helps too. Not only looking at the ball helps but keeping your head down allows energy to transfer to the ball. Keeping your head down during the shot is another way of keeping your body over the ball and thus having a strong shot on the ground. And at least for me this helps me follow through. Generally keeping your head down is often not recognized for how important it is.
5. The psychological aspect. This is vital to the powerful shot if not the most important thing. Never ever ever imagine a shot going wry or not being how you imagine it. Believe in yourself, visualize a shot you had earlier and just imagine what the shot will be. Never have self doubt or reluctance, if you miss it big deal, you’ll have another chance. By not being reluctant you actually increase your chance of hitting the target whereas if you have self doubt the ball can go flying over or off target. So just kill the ball and if you miss you miss.
6. Try shooting the ball from say…40 yards out. You probably had back spin on it. Since your body is programmed to hit a long distance target by striking underneath the ball and not in the center you probably hit it with backspin. When striking the ball from long distance don’t think of how far away it is and how much power you have to put into think about the fundamentals of shooting. Feel like the goal is closer and you are trying to strike the crossbar. All these things are important and just remember…relax.
7. The approach to the ball should be very relaxed, especially during set pieces. Being tense will cause your shot to just dribble along the ground or just go way off target. Your approach is dependant on who you are and what angle you are at. Generally a shot should be taken at a 50 degree angle to the ball. In a game you may need to speed up the approach to the ball which is also another way to increase the speed of a shot. However, the approach should be fast not tense in anyway.
8. Your supporting foot stabilizes your shot, affects direction, trajectory, power, point of contact, and the part of the foot that contacts the ball. A couple of inches can determine whether you have a fabulous upper 90 goal or a whiff. Generally your plant foot should be pointed toward your target several inches away from the ball. Usually this comes naturally and should be comfortable since everyone has their own swing path.
9. Curling the ball is usually used in a free kick or a set piece. Contrary to the popular belief, the closer to the instep you strike the ball at the better the shot. Most people try to strike the ball lower than their instep, near their toe, this won’t get you too much power, always hit it nearer to your instep. You should approach the ball at a slight angle plant the foot more to the left than a regular shot and sweep the ball from the right side of the ball (assuming your right footed). You should always follow through since this is where you are getting most of your power from.
Passing is no doubtedly the most heavily used aspect of the game. If you can’t pass you will lose. But what makes a good passer?
There are different types of passing but the most frequent and fast paced one is the one touch pass.
The one touch pass can drive the opposite team mad and give your team a confidence boost. There is nothing more beautiful than a perfectly operated one touch pass attack on the goal. Remember, when you are going to approach the ball always relax. One touch passing requires a relaxed touch. When approaching the ball take normal strides than plant your foot very much like a shot except you must be completely over the ball or else it will go flying. Many times this is ignored and instead players hit the top of the ball to prevent it from going high. This results in a slow bouncing pass because you are hitting the top of the ball. Lean over the ball strike through the center very lightly and you will have a good accurate first touch pass. Remember to keep your knee over the ball. You can either use the inside of your foot or your instep. Usually your instep is used for a long distance one touch pass though.
The next type of pass is the long distance pass. The long distance pass can be a very nice setup for a breakaway or finish. Remember to lean back and hit the ball with your instep. Unlike shooting you should strike through the bottom of the ball and follow through, however, do not hop. Make sure the ball is not too far ahead of you. Also, since long balls take longer to reach the target remember to lead the target.
A good pass is nothing without a good control at the end of it. There are so many types of controls and will take a while to learn and apply to the game.
With all these keeping your eye on the ball is the most important thing, without concentration you will lose control every time. Also judging the bounce of the ball is vital too.
1. The first kind is the regular control, very basic stuff, lift foot slightly up but not too much or it will slip beneath it, take an easy touch and go.
2. Outside of the foot can be useful not only in regular control but can be beneficial in turning to face your opponent. Before the ball has touched you move your leg so you can have a swift movement in controlling the ball. Again, very easy stuff.
3. Lace control. When a ball flys high in the air straight to you what will you do? Well, a very good way is to lift your leg and when the ball comes near cushion your foot while bringing it down with your laces. It requires a very soft touch but if space is restricted this is the best way of controlling it. Remember to have a delicate touch.
4. Inside of foot control. When a shot is directed to you or a long pass in the air this is the most useful. Slowly move the inside of the foot backwards so the ball won’t bounce of and instead be cushioned. The ball should fly right up in front of your thigh and can easily be controlled after if done correctly.
5. Thigh control- The most important part of controlling with your thigh is relaxing your muscles. Tensing up will cause the ball to bounce off you when you really want it to sink into you. The thigh control skill is simple if you know to relax your muscles.
6. Chest control- Just like thigh control except with chest. Also when controlling you can move chest back so it bounces right to your foot rather than the ground.
This guide will hopefull cover every single aspect of the game and help round your game.
The Rabona- The rabona is a move which is executed by striking the ball the opposite way a normal kick would be done, this is done by kicking the ball with your right/left leg behind you supporting leg. Flexibility is not going to affect how well you do this so don’t use it as an excuse to not try. When striking the ball use your instep (the top of your foot or laces) not your toe because if you strike it with your toe the ball won’t get any height. The rabona takes forever to learn and at first your progress will not be seen. This is why many people give up. What they don’t know is that they are making progress and eventually it just clicks.
The Roulette- this move is a very easy move to learn but takes a while to master it. This move may also be known as the 360, the maradona move, and the spin move. Different types of the roulette have been explored which can be done with back heels, inside of feet, and soles of feet. When executing this move have ball directly in front of you, pull the ball back and while turning back use your other foot to pull the ball back.
The Kerlon Seal Dribble- This is a move in which the player runs while juggling the ball on his head. The process of learning this move is simple; basically just try juggling the ball on your head while running, however it takes a very long time to learn.
Fake Shot Roulette- Same as a roulette except first touch should be a fake shot. If done properly the opponent will rotate in one direction.
Cruyff spin- The cruyff spin is a move that takes a moderate time to get comfortable with, when mastered your touches will be faster and less heavy. This move is basically a cruyff turn then immediately you spin and take the ball with the foot you did the cruyff turn with.
Aiden Mcgeady Turn- This move is very similar to the cruyff spin except when taking the second touch hit it with your supporting foot.
Stepover- Very basic move, step over the ball and take the ball. Variations of this move are to take it with the foot you did the stepover with; the other is to take the ball with the foot you didn’t do the stepover with. Many times these moves are repeated or thrown in with scissors.
Stepover Pull- Step over the ball then with the foot you didn’t do the stepover with kick the ball behind your leg and accelerate. Takes a while to get do it smoothly.
Cruyff Turn- When approaching the ball fake a shot and take the ball with the inside of your foot the opposite way behind your supporting leg. The better the fake shot the more effective this move is.
Roll Around- While having your back turned to the opponent place inside of foot on the center of the ball and turn with the ball attached to your foot. This move is most successful when there is much space behind the opponent because it will be easily intercepted if there is someone waiting behind him.
Cruyff Chop- While running jump slightly and chop the ball from your right side to your left behind your supporting leg, visa- versa. Move is very useful when an opponent is diagonally to your left/ right.
Drag Stepover- A stepover done while stationary, this move is very affective. If you are using your right foot drag the ball to your left while doing a scissor, this move can be built on with further moves.
Ronaldo Combination- Do a drag stepover hit it back and snap your leg. You’ll find your opponent staring at the ball on his heels, now just accelerate. This move is easily learned, however. Speed is vital.
Roll Stepover- Roll the ball across your body and do a stepover. This move is one of the most effective in the game, I highly suggest it. Like many other moves speed is vital.
Fake Rabona- Very elaborate move and is not very effective unless you have done a rabona in that game or are known for your rabona. You can also do this move to just show off too.
Elastico- Also known as the snake, flip flap, akka, virgule, and the one move that Ronaldhino does. To execute this move properly you must push the ball diagonally out then in, all in one motion. Your first touch should not be below the center of the ball or else your second touch will go flying up in the air and your opponent’s body will stop the ball.
Hocus Pocus- This move is very hard to learn, this is an elastico performed behind the leg. I have never seen someone do this move while the ball is rolling so I’d say it would be a stationary move. Your first touch shouldn’t be too heavy or the ball will go flying off to your side.
Hocus Pocus In The Air- This move is the same thing as a hocus pocus except in the air. While performing this move flick the ball up behind your leg and in the same motion kick it down across your body. Very elaborate and when pulled of is a real crowd pleaser.
Roll Stop (Outside Version) - This move is nothing more than a small move but can be very effective when followed by another move. This move is a good way to start moving the ball. In order to execute it you must roll the ball outwards and stop it with the inside of your foot.
Roll Stop (Inside Version)- This move is the same as the Roll Stop (Outside Version) except you roll the ball across your body and stop it with the outside of your foot.
Heel Pass- Moderate difficulty in learning, however it is very hard to have accuracy in the pass. In order to execute this move you must have the ball on the outside of your foot, then you must heel the ball to your other heel.
Triple Elastico- Extremely difficult but is a very fun move to watch. Instead of thinking of doing a triple elastico think of taking a touch across your body then performing an elastico. With plenty of practice you will be able to do this move.
Reverse Elastico- Instead of doing the elastico from outside to inside, do this move inside to outside. This move is slightly easier than the regular elastico.
Stepover Reverse Elastico- Do a stepover followed by a reverse elastico, this move is a very good move when facing an opponent in a small area.
Elastico In The Air- An elastico performed with an airborne ball. Takes a while to learn and isn’t too prevalent to a game situation.
Reverse Elastico In The Air- Same thing as an elastico in the air except it’s from inside to outside. Slightly easier to learn.
Backwards Elastico- In order to execute this move you must take a touch diagonally to your outside then your second touch must take the ball behind you. This is a good move when you have your back to the opponent and your are facing the sidelines.
Push Stepover- Push the ball outwards then doing a stepover, this is a lot like the drag stepover except reversed. This move is very useful if you have your back facing the sidelines and you need to explode down the flanks.
Unique Scissor- In order to execute this move you must instead of exploding after you do a scissor you must kick the ball against the inside of the foot you did the scissor with. The key here is to extend very far when doing the scissor, not only the move will be more effective, you will avoid getting the ball stuck between your legs. If you do the stepover to close to the ball the ball won’t be able to bounce.
Stepover Do Salto- I made up this move myself or at least I think I did. While doing a stepover you must kick the ball against the outside of your foot and the ball while bounce behind you. Very hard move to learn and is most useful when along the sidelines.
Pull Kick Back- In order to execute this move properly in a game situation, you must have to practice this move so you do not lose control and you know where the ball will go. This move can be used two ways. One way is to nutmeg an opponent, when the opponent reaches in, pull the ball back and kick it between his legs. When your opponent reaches in only then try to attempt the nutmeg or else this move will be pointless because it will just roll to his feet. The other way is to have to make the opponent turn. When an opponent is parallel with you, you can do this move to make the ball go behind the opponent this causes your opponent to turn, or if you get lucky to even fall, this is when you accelerate.
Scissor Cruyff Chop- This move is easy to explain but pulling of this move is harder than it looks, do a stepover then immediately do a Cruyff chop, make sure your Cruyff chop at the end is behind the leg you did the stepover with or else it will hit it.
Double Cruyff Chop- Do a Cruyff Chop then do another Cruyff chop first touch. Another way of explaining this is to hit it with the inside of your feet. This is a useful move if an opponent is coming straight at you from your side.
Rainbow- This moves takes a long time to learn and is not commonly used in professional matches because it can be very risky. There are many versions of doing the rainbow; I’m not sure how to explain many other versions besides mine. When first learning this move it takes a long time to get it, so keep on trying and you’ll eventually learn. In order to execute this move you must place the ball between your heel and the inside of your foot. If you’re right footed put your left foot in front of your right foot. Now have the ball pressed up directly on your heel and if you’re right footed move the ball slightly to the right so it is on the right side/ inside part of your heel. Now while leaning forward roll the ball up your leg and immediately after kick your left heel up.
Reverse scissor- Very basic move, just do a scissor then instead of using the outside of the foot to explode push the ball across your body with the inside of your foot. Speed is vital.
Scissor- Very basic move, make a half circle around the top of the ball, really use your body to make it look like your going the direction you faked it to be and explode the other way with the outside of your foot. Speed is vital.
Flick Heel- This move is useful when you are on the last line of defenders and someone passes the ball to your feet. Flicked the ball up then immediately heel the ball over the defender and explode. Make sure there is plenty of room behind the defender so it isn’t easily intercepted.
90 Stop Go- In order to execute this move you must pull the ball back then push it over with the inside of your foot forming a 90 degree angle, stop the ball then accelerate. Sounds harder than it is. Moderate difficulty, good to use to get space for a pass.
Are your shots your best part of the game? When the keeper walks on the pitch does he know you’re the one he should look out for? And what makes a good shot?
Generally, a good shot should have no spin on it, with the occasional exception. You can break shooting down into it’s fundamentals. A lot of times people don’t realize but everyone has their own shooting style. Don’t force yourself to copy someone’s style, follow these steps and see what works for you. The best drill to do for shooting is to group many balls at the top of the eighteen take a touch, shoot. Run around get another take a touch, shoot. At a fast pace too!
1. This is generally overlooked but remember to lock your ankle. Practice this by just tossing a ball a foot over your head and hit it with your locked foot so it should have no spin. A locked ankle is nothing without hitting the instep. The instep is what makes a shot have its power. A shot will never be good without a solid strike on the instep. You can locate the instep by placing your finger on your toe and slowly moving it up to the bone. The spot where the bone is the largest is the sweet spot for your strikes.
2. CENTER OF THE BALL!!! I can’t stress the importance of this enough. The ball must be struck in the center or else it will spin…usually with backspin. Your instep should strike it right in the center. You should feel the ball just bounce of your instep. Almost like you are kicking a big ball of air. The science behind this is because a spinning ball creates more air resistance a non spinning ball will fly a lot faster throughout the air, also a non spinning ball can be more susceptible to dipping and swerving through the air making it harder for the keeper.
3. Following through, this is usually explained by the “hop”. This hop is just another way of following through. But you have to realize that the hop is not necessary and will come naturally, so don’t force yourself. Many times a powerful strike will come from a shot that doesn’t end in a hop, just a follow through. Two variations of following through is as we discussed the “hop” and lifting your leg after the shot. When lifting your leg after the shot you are not literally lifting your leg vertically, you are merely raising your leg to get your whole bodies motion into the ball. When following through feel like the ball isn’t there and almost shoot through it.
4. When shooting remember to keep your eye on the ball. Have you ever seen Juninho shoot one of his legendary free kicks? Look at his preparation to the shot, involves a lot of staring at the ball right? This is because it is key to keep your eye on the ball. Know how you’re going to shoot, know what the shot will look like. Also keeping your eye on where the ball should be placed in the net helps too. Not only looking at the ball helps but keeping your head down allows energy to transfer to the ball. Keeping your head down during the shot is another way of keeping your body over the ball and thus having a strong shot on the ground. And at least for me this helps me follow through. Generally keeping your head down is often not recognized for how important it is.
5. The psychological aspect. This is vital to the powerful shot if not the most important thing. Never ever ever imagine a shot going wry or not being how you imagine it. Believe in yourself, visualize a shot you had earlier and just imagine what the shot will be. Never have self doubt or reluctance, if you miss it big deal, you’ll have another chance. By not being reluctant you actually increase your chance of hitting the target whereas if you have self doubt the ball can go flying over or off target. So just kill the ball and if you miss you miss.
6. Try shooting the ball from say…40 yards out. You probably had back spin on it. Since your body is programmed to hit a long distance target by striking underneath the ball and not in the center you probably hit it with backspin. When striking the ball from long distance don’t think of how far away it is and how much power you have to put into think about the fundamentals of shooting. Feel like the goal is closer and you are trying to strike the crossbar. All these things are important and just remember…relax.
7. The approach to the ball should be very relaxed, especially during set pieces. Being tense will cause your shot to just dribble along the ground or just go way off target. Your approach is dependant on who you are and what angle you are at. Generally a shot should be taken at a 50 degree angle to the ball. In a game you may need to speed up the approach to the ball which is also another way to increase the speed of a shot. However, the approach should be fast not tense in anyway.
8. Your supporting foot stabilizes your shot, affects direction, trajectory, power, point of contact, and the part of the foot that contacts the ball. A couple of inches can determine whether you have a fabulous upper 90 goal or a whiff. Generally your plant foot should be pointed toward your target several inches away from the ball. Usually this comes naturally and should be comfortable since everyone has their own swing path.
9. Curling the ball is usually used in a free kick or a set piece. Contrary to the popular belief, the closer to the instep you strike the ball at the better the shot. Most people try to strike the ball lower than their instep, near their toe, this won’t get you too much power, always hit it nearer to your instep. You should approach the ball at a slight angle plant the foot more to the left than a regular shot and sweep the ball from the right side of the ball (assuming your right footed). You should always follow through since this is where you are getting most of your power from.
Passing is no doubtedly the most heavily used aspect of the game. If you can’t pass you will lose. But what makes a good passer?
There are different types of passing but the most frequent and fast paced one is the one touch pass.
The one touch pass can drive the opposite team mad and give your team a confidence boost. There is nothing more beautiful than a perfectly operated one touch pass attack on the goal. Remember, when you are going to approach the ball always relax. One touch passing requires a relaxed touch. When approaching the ball take normal strides than plant your foot very much like a shot except you must be completely over the ball or else it will go flying. Many times this is ignored and instead players hit the top of the ball to prevent it from going high. This results in a slow bouncing pass because you are hitting the top of the ball. Lean over the ball strike through the center very lightly and you will have a good accurate first touch pass. Remember to keep your knee over the ball. You can either use the inside of your foot or your instep. Usually your instep is used for a long distance one touch pass though.
The next type of pass is the long distance pass. The long distance pass can be a very nice setup for a breakaway or finish. Remember to lean back and hit the ball with your instep. Unlike shooting you should strike through the bottom of the ball and follow through, however, do not hop. Make sure the ball is not too far ahead of you. Also, since long balls take longer to reach the target remember to lead the target.
A good pass is nothing without a good control at the end of it. There are so many types of controls and will take a while to learn and apply to the game.
With all these keeping your eye on the ball is the most important thing, without concentration you will lose control every time. Also judging the bounce of the ball is vital too.
1. The first kind is the regular control, very basic stuff, lift foot slightly up but not too much or it will slip beneath it, take an easy touch and go.
2. Outside of the foot can be useful not only in regular control but can be beneficial in turning to face your opponent. Before the ball has touched you move your leg so you can have a swift movement in controlling the ball. Again, very easy stuff.
3. Lace control. When a ball flys high in the air straight to you what will you do? Well, a very good way is to lift your leg and when the ball comes near cushion your foot while bringing it down with your laces. It requires a very soft touch but if space is restricted this is the best way of controlling it. Remember to have a delicate touch.
4. Inside of foot control. When a shot is directed to you or a long pass in the air this is the most useful. Slowly move the inside of the foot backwards so the ball won’t bounce of and instead be cushioned. The ball should fly right up in front of your thigh and can easily be controlled after if done correctly.
5. Thigh control- The most important part of controlling with your thigh is relaxing your muscles. Tensing up will cause the ball to bounce off you when you really want it to sink into you. The thigh control skill is simple if you know to relax your muscles.
6. Chest control- Just like thigh control except with chest. Also when controlling you can move chest back so it bounces right to your foot rather than the ground.
Improving Your Football Skills
Conventional wisdom in the old days stated that God-given talent was the be all and end all for a successful career in football. Training was only a necessary supplement to what was already imbued within a particular individual. Today, while the term ‘talent’ is still bandied about, developments in coaching have allowed youngsters to emulate the greats with increasing ease. Indeed, such is the importance of coaching at both amateur and professional level, you can even utilise hypnosis to supposedly improve your ability on the field, and the top clubs all make use of ‘sports psychologists’ to help the star players perform.
A decisive moment in coaching was the rise of the Coerver Method in the 1970s, named after Wiel Coerver, the Dutch former manager of Feyenoord. Coerver claimed that by analysing tapes of great players in action, you could break down their technique and trademark skills and use this knowledge to teach young players. The fundamentals of this method are enshrined in coaching today, and certain moves are still referred to as ‘Coerver moves’.
The depth and complexity of football coaching is such that any guide will fall short. However, here are a few notable manoeuvres to get you started, a number of which are identified with footballing greats:
The Cruyff Turn
- Facing your opponent with the ball, position your body to feign a cross or shot.
- Then drag the ball with your foot behind your standing leg.
- Turn and be on your way while the opponent is left flat-footed.
The Cruyff Turn
The Zidane Roulette/Maradona’s 360º Spin Move
- While dribbling with the ball close to your body, turn to shield the ball as you reach an opponent face-to-face.
- With your back to the player, in the same movement, put your foot on the ball and delicately bring it around with you.
- Leave the opponent trailing as you turn around his body.
360 Spin
The Shoulder Feint
- Feign to go one way by dropping one shoulder as if moving in that direction.
- Then quickly go the other way and wrong-foot your marker. This is best achieved with your back to the opponent.
Stepover
Popularised initially by Pelé, this move is extremely popular in modern football and expertly utilised by individuals like Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho:
- Feign to move on way by flicking your foot fully over the ball in that direction, but without actually touching the ball at any point.
- Then push the ball in the opposite direction and skip past your marker.
Stepover
The Matthews Move
Named after one of the most influential wingers in football, Stanley Matthews, who was pivotal in establishing wing play as a vital part of attacking. The Matthews move is today a fundamental weapon in any winger’s arsenal:
- When facing a defender, push the ball slightly forward to his standing foot.
- Then instantly flick it horizontally down the wing and, as he’s wrong-footed, use your speed to waltz past him.
Matthews Move
The Nutmeg
The nutmeg is the ultimate insult to an opponent and a great, easy trick for beginners to learn:
- When facing your opponent, allow him to set himself to cover your attack.
- Then take advantage of the gap between his legs, pass the ball through them and skip around his body.
Nutmegged
The Puskás Move/The V-Move
Associated with the famous Hungarian forward Ferenc Puskás, the v-move is perfect for improving your dribbling and close control, as well as a great way for evading tackles:
- While in possession of the ball, drag the ball back with your foot.
- In the same movement, flick it forward at a 45º degree angle (works particularly well if your opponent dives in for a tackle).
The Elastico/Flip-Flap
Actually invented in the 1970s by the Brazilian Rivelino, the move today is popularly associated with his countryman Ronaldinho. The trick requires incredible speed and flexibility, so don’t expect to pick it up quickly!
- Facing an opponent, flick the ball up to one side.
- In mid-air, cushion the ball with the inside of your ball, taking it the other way past your marker.
The Flip Flap
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