Advanced - Kicking on run
Once the 3-5 step kick has been mastered by a player, it is time to move onto Advanced kicking - “kicking on the run”. This will take some time to perfect. Adjustments to distance, speed, height all take many weeks of practice and do not come easy. It’s more about trial and error, so stick with it. This will be a challenge but enjoy it.
Advanced Kicking Technique
- Get the basics right first – the correct grip, set your feet, look at your target (Quickly adjust the ball from the various way you may have received it – i.e off the ground, from a mark or a handball)
- Track your teammates – adjust for the speed and angle of the lead, work out how fast the target is running, as well as how far you need to kick in front of your teammate
- Jog or run, get your balance, keep the ball in the channel and then kick through the ball. (It is vital to trust the kick and don’t look up early)
- Follow through directly to the target – this involves 3 or 4 steps after the kick (It is crucial to not step offline, or this will make the ball spin violently away from the target)
As players develop this kicking phase, they need to be able to successfully execute their kick within the game like situations that have distractions, outside influences and pressures. The “Kicking in the bubble” concept teaches players how to cope with these elements.
💡Note: If a player is having issues with mastering this kicking phase, we suggest you refer back to the common kicking problems and re-visit the kicking basics.
COMMON PROBLEMS FOR ADVANCED KICKING:
- Carrying the ball outside of the channel - Typically as players go to kick they drop the ball inside (Refer to Self Kick technique)
- Too much arm swing - Ensure you minimise arm swing and keep the ball in the channel (Refer to the Self Kick technique and Keeping the Ball in the channel drills)
- Crossing the feet over - Keep the ball and feet in the channel (Refer to keeping the ball in the channel drill).Consistency is key. Every time a player kicks, they must concerntrate to fully complete all the steps of the kick. Don't allow players to stop immediately after the kick. Ensure players keep concerntration at all times.
- Looking up to eary - Ensure you watch the ball until you kick. Looking up causes the ball to drop short or go high in the air.
- Inconsistent contact with the foot - Refer to the tennis ball drill or bare foot drill to correct this. You can also practice with a soccer ball against a wall from a short distance, letting it bounce once before you kick it. Re-adjust your feet each time and get your balance before kicking the ball. Try to do 10 in a row.
