This is one thing you hardly hear soccer coaches talking about: mechanics! Teaching players the proper form in how to shoot, pass, trap & dribble. As a trainer or coach you can’t not help players with body mechanics.
Striking vs dribbling mechanics
The most difficult to learn out of all of these is ball striking with top of the foot to pass or shoot.
Dribbling doesn’t have to be as important when talking about mechanics.
I’ve seen some ugly mechanics with players I played with, but they could keep possession.
We don’t all have to look perfect when dribbling, but your form does matter with other things.
In addition, if you aspire to play pro, you better believe that some coaches and leagues want smooth looking players for attractive football.
Obviously in youth [even highest level] coaches don’t care about mechanics… It’s more about beating your opponent for them – even if it’s ugly play.
Why soccer mechanics are so important
When I ask our new players about soccer mechanics they don’t know what that is.
Some of the brave kids say things like “mechanics are skills” or some even say “the guy who fixes cars” which makes me smile every time.
Parents who grew up in other sports probably have a good idea of the term mechanics, just don’t know soccer wise.
Video ⇓ below shows me working with 2 college players when I developed my online courses.
You can see how quickly they improve and how the muscle memory is not used to these movements.
It’s fun to see players improve so quickly and smile once they get it down.
Magic Foot Skills ⇓
In soccer/futbol you can be pretty good and not even have great form. It’s a sport where if you hustle and are a solid athlete you can be dangerous.
If you learn proper form/mechanics and practice, you’ll be even better.
Pro soccer players all have good form. Being a good athlete is not enough at the highest level.
Great things happen if you focus on your mechanics and get your skills smooth. Along with your natural ability and hustle, sky’s the limit.
Form when using your Laces ⇓
The most important mechanic in soccer is ball striking (passing & shooting). Click To Tweet
5 examples of soccer/futbol mechanics
Mechanics is the term I use to describe an individual’s form.
How the body is able to properly perform soccer movements while running, passing, shooting, trapping or dribbling.
5 Examples of soccer/futbol mechanics:
- Shooting with laces: Toes need to be down & depending on if you want the ball high or low depends on if you lean over the ball or lean back.
- Passing inside of foot (push pass): the toes should be up, knees slightly bent.
- Trapping a ball while opening up your body: your toes should be up as you collect the ball.
- Dribbling you should stay low bending your knees, so you can change direction easier.
- Volley a shot while facing the goal your follow through (leg) should not be too high & your toes should stay down as you strike so the ball doesn’t get hit over the goal.
How to improve ball striking mechanics
I could go on and on, especially with ball striking…
Whether you are striking with the inside, laces, outside or laces.
Stationary, running up towards the target or dribbling down field while having to cross the ball in.
Your toe could be up or down, toes pointed in, leaning back or forward, getting both feet off the ground, keeping hips & shoulders at the target or letting your body be forced the wrong way by your swing.
Online soccer skills vs in-person training
If you want the answer I recommend you buy the online ball control course which is cheaper than buying private individual lessons with me.
The good thing about the course is its forever… Several of my trainees have used it from age 13 all the way through college.
You can watch this foundations video for an example or read the literature anytime you want.
Even for the players who do Private lessons, they often forget the exact part of the ball or foot to connect.
Another thing players like about the courses is it gives you a plan and is well thought out for you.
How to improve your form using a wall
Use a wall to bounce the ball off of & focus on your soccer mechanics.
You can use these wall drills for balls on the ground or in the air.
This rebound board is good for passing and receiving on the ground. You can also turn it over to make the ball pop up to practice aerial control.
With technology now days you can even set up your phone to record you so that you can see what you look like. This way you can correct your mechanics over time.
Note: Try this with slower movement to teach your muscles the proper form, and as you get better speed it up which might make it look bad at 1st but you will adjust & correct.
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