By Lawrence Fine, Author of the FineSoccer Coaching Bible.
Welcome to the Goalkeeping Newsletter. Today’s topic deals with the approach on a goal kick.
One of the most common questions I receive is “how can I improve my goal kicks?”. I start my response by letting people know that this is NOT an area I’m strong with but like with everything else, repetition and good habits are the foundation for success.
If you watch football kickers (American football) you see that they take the same approach, same angle, same number of steps every time they go to kick the ball. Their approach might be different on field goals than on kick offs but their approach on field goals will always be the same and their approach on kick offs is always the same as well.
Go out and see what feels comfortable for you (realize that taking a lot of steps won't add any additional distance to the kick) and establish that as your standard. For now, let’s say the number of steps is 4. Next pick your angle. If we think of the face of a clock and the ball is the middle of the clock, consider an approach from somewhere between 7 and 7:30 as the angle.
Realize the most important step is the last one so make sure that step is a good long one (too many young keepers take some big steps and right before making contact take some stutter steps and lose all of their power).
[wpsharely id="821"][/wpsharely]Take your four steps, be consistent in your angle, get a good long last step and then if you combine that with locking your ankle, getting your head over the ball, and planting your foot beside the ball, you have a good start.
Go out and do this approach every day (10-15 times a day is all you need) and you will gradually see yourself become better with goal kicks.
Have a great day!
Lawrence
By Lawrence Fine, Author of the FineSoccer Coaching Bible.
