| Basic Shots, Ball-Control and Practice Drills |
From "Family Sports"
episode SPT-102 |
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The basic shots in soccer include the full volley, half volley, side volley and chip. In the full volley, as the ball approaches the player in the air, the player attacks and strikes the ball before it ever has a chance to hit the ground. The strike is made with the instep (i.e., the top) of the foot with the ankle locked. The half volley is executed in much the same way, but the strike occurs on the bounce after the ball has struck the ground. The player follows through straight toward the goal (figure A). The side volley is a somewhat more advanced shot. It occurs when the ball is slightly away from the player's body and the player is facing away from the goal. The player turns while lifting the hip of the kicking leg and strikes the ball side-on. The side volley can occur on the bounce or before the ball hits the ground. Players should practice all of these basic shots, and it's a good idea to practice them with a friend who can kick and return the ball to you. There are a number of aspects to ball control -- the part of the sport that requires the greatest precision and finesse. For foot control, it's important to learn to use all of the surfaces of the foot, including the inside, outside and instep (laces). Even the sole of the shoe is used to stop the ball and, sometimes, pull it back and around. Foot-juggling (figure B) is a valuable exercise for developing foot dexterity. A primary objective for the skilled soccer player is to be able to run at a full sprint and still control the ball. This ability comes only with a great deal of practice, so running and kicking drills are important. A rule of thumb is to always strive to keep the ball closer to you than to your opponent, and to keep the ball moving, making it more difficult for you opponent to defend you. Trapping the ball -- stopping its momentum so that you can gain control of it -- is another important skill. Use various parts of your body to trap the ball depending on how high the ball is on approach. If it is at head or neck level, trap the ball with your chest (figure C). If it is approaching at waist level, trap it by raising your thigh. Below waist level, trap it with your foot by allowing the ball to fall and strike your foot as you lower it toward the ground to halt its momentum (figure D). Foot-trapping should be practiced repeatedly until you can do it well with both feet. Heading the ball -- using the head to stop or to strike the ball -- is a technique that has been somewhat controversial because of fears that it can cause brain injury to players. In fact, injury occurs only if the technique is used improperly. Specifically, it is incorrect and potentially harmful to strike the ball with the top of the head. Rather, strike the ball with the front of the head, above the brow, with eyes open. One technique is done from the ground in "crab position," with your body facing up while being supported from underneath four-corner style by your feet and hands (figure E). As the ball approaches, snap your hips down and pull your head forward. Strike the ball, continue the action and let your hips come to the ground. Follow-through with your head toward the target (figure F). Another variation is done from your knees. With hips forward and shoulders back (figure G), thrust forward with your upper body and strike the ball in mid-arc (figure H). Follow-through toward your target, falling forward onto your hands. Drills for practicing kicking, shooting and controlling the ball provide the player with the means to hone specific game-play techniques while also building endurance through aerobic exercise. About 30 to 40 minutes of practice per day will help strengthen basic soccer skills noticeably.
RESOURCES :
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)
Organization devoted to developing quality youth soccer programs that promote family environment, positive coaching, good sportsmanship, balanced teams and inclusion of all players.
American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO)
Website: www.soccer.org
The United States Soccer Federation
Web site:
www.us-soccer.com
Coaching Youth Soccer: A Baffled Parent's Guide
Model: 0071346082
Author: Bobby Clark
1999
McGraw-Hill Companies
Website: www.mcgraw-hill.com
Soccer Fundamentals: Basic Skills, Drills, and Strategy for Beginning Players
Model: 0312115326
Author: John Learmouth and Brian Raven
St. Martin's Press, 1994
Soccer: How to Play the Game
Model: 0789303388
Author: Dan Herbst
The Official Playing and Coaching Manual of the United States Soccer Federation
Universe Publishing
Youth Soccer Drills
Model: 0880115289
Author: James Garland
Human Kinetics Publishing
1996
Soccer Practice Games: 120 Games for Technique, Training and Tactics
Model: 0873225546
Author: Joe Luxbacher
Human Kinetics Publishing, 1994
Coaching Kids to Play Soccer
Model: 0671639366
Author: Jim San Marco and Kurt Aschermann
Fireside, 1987
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