Often when the ball does not go where the player wants it to go, it is because the plant foot is too far in front, behind or away from the ball and/or not pointed in the general direction of the target. Getting this part of the technique correct is key to the success of the inside-of-the-foot pass.
Preparing the plant leg
- Place the support next to the ball and pointed in the general direction of the target.
- Bend the plant leg slightly
- All the weight should be on the plant foot
- Use arms for balance
Example of what happens if not correct. ( Video )
How do you know if you are good or bad?
Take the test:
This technical passing challenge requires a partner and 15 yards of space. This challenge ensures the plant foot is in the correct position so that the ball goes back correctly.
For this challenge you will need to set up the following:
- Set up a 4yd x 4yd square for the goalkeeper to stand in
- Set up 2 cones the width of the square and 10 yards from the square. ( as shown ) below
- Server stands in serving area and serves the ball into the GK’s square.
- 20 passes. 1 point for each successful return
- Successful return = 2 touches, control within the square, return pass within cones of server area
Drill to help improve this element:
Keep practicing the “Square of excellence” drill above.
Back to the last core competency – Passing accuracy
Go to the next core competency – The Weight / Speed of the pass