Football Skills
A- KICKING
Kicking is a fundamental and versatile technique used for passing, shooting and clearing. True footballers refer to it as striking the ball because it sounds more controlled.
How to strike the ball?
There are two general types of kicks based on the position of the ball, ground kicks and volleys.
- Ground kicks
On ground strikes, the placement of the supporting leg is just as important as the kicking leg. In order to produce a quality kick you'll need balance. The right way to keep your balance is to plant your supporting foot in line with the ball. By stepping slightly behind, you will produce a rising ball. Most young players who are not taught properly, are not aware of keeping the supporting foot in line with the ball. They always loft the ball when trying to kicking harder.
In order to get the maximum power from a strike, the knee of your kicking leg has to be above or in line with the ball at the exact moment you make contact.
The follow-through is the sweeping motion of your kicking leg after you've contacted the ball. Usually, you must follow-through in the direction of your aim. If you have trouble understanding this concept, try landing on your kicking foot after you have struck the ball.
- Volleys
When striking the ball in the air, proper balance is essential. Therefore, you have to adjust to the flight of the ball by quick changes in your footing. You are ready to swing, only after you have positioned yourself in right spot. You should not attempt a volley, if you feel that you are reaching too far or when the ball is too close and that impairs your swing.
Some situations may require jumping and volleying. You must time your leap, just as if you were taking a header.
How to practice kicking?
The best way to practice your technique is against a keeper (or a
friend) who consistently serves the ball back. If that is rarely an option
for you, a smooth wall that is at least 2 meters high and 5 meters wide is a
nice replacement. Beginners should work with still balls (meaning they must
trap the ball as it comes back) while advanced players can strike it while
in motion. At first, you must concentrate on your technique, and
progressively move towards accuracy of placement. Adding power should be the
final step of your kicking workout. Various challenges are also applicable,
such as aiming at a target on the wall or dribbling (in random directions)
before you kick. Such exercises must be repeated consistently because they
improve all aspects of your game which include kicking - passing, finishing,
clearing and so on.
Practicing volleys is slightly more of a hassle if you don't have a workout
buddy, but it can be done. Simply toss the ball (or kick it) upward and
strike it using a composed technique as it comes down. A friend can be very
useful when you're working on air kicks. He can throw the ball at your feet
while you try to kick it back in his hands.
Different methods of striking the ball:
- Inside of the Foot
Put your supporting foot about 10 cm to the side of the ball with your toes pointing in direction of the target. With your ankle locked at about 90 degrees, bring your kicking leg back and swing through the equator of the ball. Your kicking ankle must be perpendicular to your supporting foot. Contact the ball with the arch of your foot and follow-through in the direction of your target. When well executed, the ball will roll smoothly rather than bounce along the ground.
- Outside of the foot
When planting your supporting foot next to the ball, your toes have to be directed about 15-30 degrees outward from your target. This will let you drive straight at your target, hitting the ball with the outside of your laces.
- Instep drive
Place your supporting foot in line with the ball with toes aimed at your target. Bring your kicking foot as far back as you can, in order to get the longest possible swing. When you swing, accelerate your foot forward as if you're kicking through the ball. The toes and ankle of your kicking foot should be stretched and locked (similarly to a ballet dancer.) To keep the shot low, meet the ball at the equator or above it. Strike the ball with the inside of your shoelaces and follow through in the direction of your target.
- Inside curve
Position your supporting foot to the side of the ball with toes aimed at your target or slightly to the side of it, depending on the direction of your desired curve. To gain power, retrieve your kicking leg back, but not too much or you'll lose accuracy. Swing forward with your kicking foot and meet the ball with the upper part of your big toe. "Slice" the ball not in the center but low on the outside, so that a spin will be produced. Follow through in the direction of your swing (not directly towards the target.)
- Outside curve
If you're kicking the ball with your right foot put your supporting foot on the left side of the ball or vice versa. The toes of your supporting foot should be aimed at your target or slightly turned to the direction of the curve. Bring your kicking foot as far back as possible and swing forward aiming for the inward side of the ball. Again, if you're kicking with your left foot, then aim for the right side of the ball (the one closer to the supporting foot.) Use the area of your foot around the outside of the shoelaces down to the pinky-toe. Remember to follow-through in the direction of the swing.
- Chip
Your supporting foot should be planted next to the ball with toes pointed at the target. Quickly swing your kicking foot back and then forward without moving the thigh. Sharply cut the ball from the bottom with the the tip of your toes. This will produce a lofted ball that is spinning vertically.
- Volley
The volley is a kick used when the ball is above ground. In terms of technique, it follows the same principles as the instep drive. Producing a good volley is largely determined by your timing. Concentrate on when to swing rather than where to contact the ball or trying to strike it really hard. If you hit the ball at the right time, it will have enough power and you'll get more control over its direction. Do not lean backward when you use this technique because that will loft the ball. Make small adjustments in your footing so that you have good balance before you actually swing.
- Bending the Ball
Bending or swerving the ball is one of the most exciting soccer kicking techniques. Brazilians, such as Pele, were famous for making the ball bend around a defensive wall, and this is one of the hallmarks of David Beckham. This skill is important in many areas of football, such as shots at goal around defenders that are obscured from the goalkeeper's view, corner kicks, crosses into the box, and passing the ball around opponents.
There are two main methods, namely using the outside of the foot to swerve the ball away from you, or using the inside of the foot to bend the ball inwards. Swerve is produced by kicking the ball off centre on the opposite side to the side you want the ball to swerve to. For example, if you want to bend the ball from right to left with your right foot, you make contact with the ball on the right side using the inside of your foot. To make the ball bend away from you from left to right, kick the ball on the left side using the outside of your foot. A tip for improving your skill using the inside of the foot is to swivel on your non-kicking foot as you kick the ball, but this movement should not be exagerated.
B- BALL CONTROL
The ability to manipulate the ball and prepare it for subsequent techniques
(such as shooting or passing) is one of the most essential in football.
Nearly all famous players are known for having fluent control over the ball.
Alas, such an intimate relationship with the ball can only be achieved after
countless hours of training.
How to control the ball?
Ball control has two main categories, receiving and trapping. Receiving is
redirecting the ball to a spot useful for shooting or dribbling at the
following touch, while trapping is stopping the ball completely by
cushioning it.
- Receiving
When you're running to a particular spot, it is better to redirect the ball in your path rather than tapping it to a complete stop. Aim to make contact with the middle or top part of the ball. Tap the ball slightly in the direction that you want to send it. Good footballers settle the ball away from close-by enemies. This gives them extra time by keeping them one step ahead of the oppositions.
- Trapping
Trapping is typically used when the ball is going too fast to redirect at first touch. Try keeping your hips open in the direction from where the ball is coming. Put the receiving part of your body in the path of the ball. Relax the muscles of that body part, and cushion the ball. When cushioning, gently withdraw the body part in the opposite direction from where the ball is coming.
How to practice control?
The easiest way to practice control is with another player. He can throw
you the ball with his hands or kick it by foot. After you control it, you
may pass it back to him.
Control can also be practiced against a wall. Simply stand at about 2-3
meters (10 feet) away from the wall and knock the ball against it. You must
receive/trap it as it comes back. This exercise gives you the chance to work
on both your kicking and controlling technique. As you get comfortable, try
applying both feet and start lofting the ball.
Different methods of control:
- Inside of the foot
Your supporting foot must be planted 45-90 degrees to the path of the ball. Rest all of your weight on it and intercept the ball with the arch of your foot. At the time of contact, cushion the ball by moving your foot along the ball's original direction.
Instead of trapping the ball you may wish to redirect it. To do so, simply rotate your receiving foot in the desired direction
- Outside of the foot
This technique is useful when the ball is rolling in front of you from one side to the other. Rather than turning your body into its path, you can control it using this technique. Simply reach forward into the ball's path and intercept it with the outside of your foot. That will settle it nicely considering that the outside of your foot provides a lot of surface area.
- Sole of the foot
Simply put your foot on the ball with your toes raised slightly above your heel. Because of the modern game's speed, trapping with the sole of the foot is rarely applied to control passes. It is however useful in dribbling. Players use it to stop with the ball before changing direction or incorporate it in more elaborate moves.
- Instep
This technique is useful when the ball is falling to you from a steep angle. While keeping your eyes locked on the ball, move quickly towards its path so that you would not have to reach out too far in order to control it. Balance your weight on one supporting leg while you cushion the ball with your other, free leg. Before the ball arrives, stretch the ankle of your controlling foot (like a ballerina) while relaxing the muscles of the same leg. The ball should be trapped with the foot using the area around the top of your shoelaces. At the moment of contact, withdraw your controlling foot by bending the knee and ankle. This should settle the ball down right in front of you.
- Thigh
The thigh is especially useful in football when one is trapping the ball. Redirecting the ball into space or to your side is somewhat harder when using the thigh. Cushioning the ball with the thigh can be done for both rising and dropping balls. The hardest part is adjusting properly before trapping the ball. When you have aligned yourself so that the ball is in your reach, put your thigh in the path of the ball and retract as it arrives. If you don't retract, the ball will just bounce off of you. The contact surface you should use is the area above the knee, about halfway on your thigh. The inside of your thigh is good for stopping balls that are flying straight at you.
- Chest
The chest provides the largest surface area for trapping or receiving the ball. When using it for control, stretch out your arms to flex the muscles. To cushion the ball, you'll need to arch your back slightly. You may also have to bend your knees or jump in order to align your chest with the height of the ball.
- Head
Set up your body just as if you're about to head the ball. Instead of heading the ball, simply intercept its path using the surface area on your forehead, slightly below the hairline. Just before making contact, turn your head in whatever direction you want the ball to go (receiving).
If you just want to bring the ball to your feet (trapping) do not turn your head, instead bend your knees and lean forward with you upper body.
C- HEADING
Using your head has various meanings in football. One of the biggest myths
in the game still persists today, claiming that players who frequently head
the ball have lower intelligence. Since the 90's it has been scientifically
proven that there is no link between heading and intelligence. Instead, the
scientists concluded that untrained footballers can cause serious damage to
their head when performing a heading technique which they have not mastered.
Learning the basic heading techniques to a proficient level is mandatory for
all players.
How to head a ball?
The first thing that you must understand is that the ball should be struck
with the upper part of your forehead. This very same part of the skull is
the toughest to injure or break, because it is comprised of only skin and
thick bone. One of the most difficult obstacles in learning how to head the
ball is overcoming your natural instinct that discourages you from
propelling your head straight at a flying object. Another factor, which must
be overcome, is the tendency to close your eyes when you're about to head
the ball. The force, which you apply to the ball, should not come from your
neck muscles. Bending backward your entire upper body and propelling your
head forward will produce far more power. Hitting the ball below its equator
causes it to rise while striking its upper part makes it drop. Before
heading the ball, you should adjust to its flight by taking a succession of
small steps. This helps you avoid tilting to the side after you have leapt
in the air.
Different methods of striking the ball:
- Standard header
To head the ball with a good amount of power you'll need to arch back and swing your head forward. When heading in this way, you must keep your shoulders leveled and perpendicular to your aim. Contact must be made with the center of the forehead
- Diving header
In this technique, you must propell your entire body in the path of the ball. Your arms have to be stretched forward for protection on landing.
- Glancing header
When executing a glancing header, you must turn your head in direction of your aim. This motion redirects the oncoming ball.
- Flick header
On flick headers, you are actually making contact with the back of your head. As you arch backward, you will direct the ball behind yourself. This technique is useful because of the surprise factor.
D- TACKLING
Skillful defenders are masters of denying their opposition. They limit the
ball carrier, slow him down, and generally prevent his direct route to goal.
How to pressure the ball?
Never charge at the ball unless you are absolutely sure that you will get
it. If the enemy has the ball in control at his feet you must contain him.
To contain your opponent means to position yourself in front of him and wait
until he releases the ball far enough for you to intercept it. Some
dribblers will move the ball without providing you with adequate time for a
tackle. All you can do in such cases is remain between the ball carrier and
your own goal and wait until he errs.
Different methods of defending:
- Containing
When containing an attacker you must lower your center of gravity by bending your knees and leaning forward. Backpedal if the attacker moves forward. Never face a dribbler straight on because he will put the ball between your legs or explode past you. You won't have the time to make a complete turn. Approach the ball carrier at a 45-degree angle forcing him towards the sideline. Be prepared to move laterally with your opponent, do not just rush at him.
- Block tackle
The block tackle is the most basic way of depleting an opponent of the ball. It is designed to give you possession of the ball while keeping you on your feet. The way to block tackle is by planting your supporting foot well so that you don't lose balance. Then, just as your opponent contacts the ball, you must put your free foot perpendicularly to the direction in which he is trying to push the ball. If executed properly, this will cause your enemy to stumble or cough up the ball.
- Poke tackle
When poke tackling, you basically stab the ball away from your opponent. You must use the foot which is closer to the ball. This method does not guarantee that you will gain possession of the ball.
- Slide tackle
Although spectacular, slide tackling should not be used unless in desperation or away from one's own goal.
