1 typical problem among amateur players is the inability to put distance into their passes or shots. In fact, I would say this is a predominant situation especially for the footballers who started playing at an older age. If you have a quick thought about your team, I'm sure you'll be able to pick out quite a number who have problems kicking the ball long.
The most common "misconception" that players make when trying to kick a ball long is that the harder they kick the ball, the further it will fly. Now of course there is a certain element of truth there, but it is hardly the single factor that affects the distance of the ball.
Have you had times when you struck the ball and it felt just so light that your foot went through it and yet the power generated in the ball seemed so great?
Well the reason for that is because you had actually hit the "sweet spot" of the ball thus allowing all the energy generated by your kick to be transferred to the ball.
This, the point of contact between your foot and the ball, is the other key factor in determining the outcome of your kick. If you play golf, you would fully understand what I'm trying to preach here; that ball striking is not all about brute force.
Kick it softly
Finding the sweet spot of the ball is never easy, but it is made harder when players takes a wild hard swing at the ball hoping to send it long and far. The harder you try, the easier it is to miss the "sweet spot".
A verse in a Nike Advert by famous pass master Xabi Alonso will always ring in my head. It was a scene where the kids had to try to hit a tyre hanging from the crossbar from outside the box, when he softly said, "Kick it softly."
This is the exact thing which I would recommend you to do during pre match practice. Instead of using all your might to try and blast the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper when taking turns to shoot (favourite warm-up routine of most Singapore teams), you should relax and work on striking the ball with as little force as possible.
The aim of this is to allow you to find the sweet spot of the ball, which rests between the ground and the center of the ball. Put your full concentration into hitting the ball at the correct spot with minimal force. In doing so, keep count of the number of times you:
1. Kick the ground before hitting the ball
2. Hit the top of the ball resulting in very little height
3. Hit the ball left of the center (causing it to fly to the right of where you aim)
4. Hit the ball right of the center (causing it to fly to the left of where you aim)
5. Hit the ball at the correct position (sweet spot)
This practice allows you to identify your problem which you can then work to correct. Your ultimate aim is to make sure you hit the sweet spot at least 8 out of 10 times. Once you achieve it, you'll find your balls going longer and further in the game and with much less effort.
Remember what Xabi said.
Kick if softly.
The "Footy Tipster" series is supported by a team of "technical advisors" with strong footballing credentials. Former S-League professionals and coaches with AFC "A" Licence aside, Football OPOD is also set to approach former international players to provide better guidance.
The series will focus on 2 main areas of amateur football: individual performance and team performance. Individual performance tips will touch on ways to improve general footballing techniques, as well as suggestions to develop abilities required for specific positions. Team performance tips will discuss on issues pertaining to formation, tactics, game strategy and player recruitment policies.
Football OPOD also welcome our readers to write in on subjects which they would like us to cover. All requests should be sent to info@footballopod.com.
The "Footy Tipster" series is supported by a team of "technical advisors" with strong footballing credentials. Former S-League professionals and coaches with AFC "A" Licence aside, Football OPOD is also set to approach former international players to provide better guidance.
The series will focus on 2 main areas of amateur football: individual performance and team performance. Individual performance tips will touch on ways to improve general footballing techniques, as well as suggestions to develop abilities required for specific positions. Team performance tips will discuss on issues pertaining to formation, tactics, game strategy and player recruitment policies.
Football OPOD also welcome our readers to write in on subjects which they would like us to cover. All requests should be sent to info@footballopod.com.