CONTROL
SHOOTING
PASSING
DRIBBLING
TURNING
HEADING
CREATE SPACE
INDIVIDUAL DEFENDING
SUPPORT PLAY
GOALKEEPING
CROSSING
TACKLING
THE THROW IN
ATTACKING SET PLAYS
DEFENDING SET PLAYS
THE FREE KICK
PASSING
Please select a subsection from the topics below :
 Sidefoot pass    Progression   In tight areas  
 With varying distances    Playing against the touchline  
 Passing on the run    With opposition involved  
   Two players against one    Further two against one practices  
 Passing in tight areas with a shot at goal   Kicking the ball  
 Progression    Progression II  
 Exercises for passing with the inside of the foot I  & II
 Progression III    Passing with place changing 
 Passing for accuracy    Volleying the ball   Kicking the ball


KICKING THE BALL with the outside & inside of the instep

Learning to kick the ball with this technique is important for all players and it requires total concentration and much practice.

Diagram 1

 

Diagram 1 illustrates the part of the foot used by a player who wants to swerve the ball to his RIGHT.

The outside of the instep is used by the right foot
The inside of the instep is used by the left foot

 

Practice 1 (using the right foot) the outside of the instep
The player approaches a stationary ball from the left hand side of the ball, and runs at a slightly curved angle towards the ball (see diagram 2). Non kicking foot behind the ball at the point of contact.
 
Diagram 2
 

 
 
Kick the ball just to the left of centre and the ball will spin to the right.
 
Player (A) from around 5 metres runs at the ball and using the outside of the right foot he strikes the ball just to the left of centre; but importantly after making contact with the ball the right foot is swung directly across the front of the body from the hip giving maximum strength to the kick, and giving the ball a spin which assists the 'bend'.

LEARNING TO STRIKE THE BALL PROPERLY SHOULD BE MASTERED FIRST BEFORE CONCENTRATING ON 'BENDING' THE BALL, AS THIS CAN BE A DIFFICULT SKILL ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG PLAYERS.

COACHES SHOULD INSIST AT THIS EARLY STAGE OF PLAYERS USING BOTH FEET WHILE KICKING A STATIONARY BALL

 
Practice 2 (using the inside of the instep)
 
Conversely using this technique players can vary their approach to the ball, although once again at the point of contact the non kicking foot is behind the ball, and the body is leaning slightly backwards.

So as (A) approaches the ball he now (using his right foot) strikes the ball slightly to its right side of centre (see diagram 2)
 
Diagram 3
 
 
Kick to right of centreand the ball will spin to the left.
 
As (A) strikes the ball to right of centre, the ball will spin to its left. After making contact with the ball, the leg follows straight through, and the ball should curve to the left as in diagram 3.