Do you want to improve your weak foot shooting? There are some key things you need to know if you want to get better form, accuracy and power. I remember when I was about 10 years old being at a friends house. We were kicking the ball against his fence in the backyard. He could strike the ball with both feet very well, but my left foot was terrible. It felt like I would never get it down. Well I’m here to tell you that with the right practice you’ll get it. It takes patience, knowledge and hard work. Nothing comes easy. Do you have the will to do it?
Understanding that it takes time to improve your weak foot
You have to either naturally know or be taught that it takes time. Therefore continuing to practice is key.
Most players don’t like the feeling of “failing” or doing poorly at something, so they just don’t try.
Trust in yourself and know that with practice you will improve.
The feeling of eventually getting it down is amazing, plus gives you strength mentally.
University of Texas player ↑
Teaching correct muscle memory
All of this depends on how you want or need to pass/shoot.
Regardless of which technique you use, bending your knees is the common thing you’ll see.
Many players don’t know that both knees need to be bent a little…
The plant leg is the one that I see kids even in high school doing wrong.
When kicking short and accurate using the inside push pass, you’ll have your toes up.
Striking with the laces/top of foot you’ll keep your toes down.
When bending with the inside of the foot [say a corner or free kick] your toes are pointed down as you go to connect.
Then as you strike through the ball bring your toes up.
Shooting on the run
Once you have programmed your foot to have proper form and have gotten some good reps hitting a dead ball, try it on the run/move.
You can first try striking a slightly moving ball from 12 – 18 yards from goal/wall.
Then try dribbling at speed and shooting on the run with the weak foot.
Texas Tech player ↑
Comparing your strong foot and weak foot
If you’re striking the ball good with your strong foot you have a great way to teach the left.
Get into the kicking position with your strong foot and look at your mechanics.
See where your arms are, how much your knees are bent and the position of your foot.
Then try to copy this with your weak foot.
3 ways to compare your right and left foot.
- Video yourself planting and then kicking the ball. If you are not planting right, you’re probably not going to kick the ball clean.
- Use a mirror while you are in position and see how it looks with your strong foot and weak foot.
- As you’re in shooting [kicking] position with your strong foot, look at your form/mechanics. Then try to copy this with your weak foot. Same as using a mirror. Make sure the knees are bent a little and not turned in. If shooting with the right foot, the left arm should be out from your body.
Watch this blog post shows videos how to work with both the strong and weak foot, when striking with “laces” [top of foot] to get power.
Going through growth spurts effects your form
A youth player can struggle in soccer when going through the many growth spurts.
I’ve seen many players who learned to strike the ball great and then after after growing a inch in a few months time, they can’t kick the ball as good.
Be patient and positive when going through these times.
Know that with practice you’ll get things right – again.
Hard work pays off
You’ve heard it before… Hard work pays off. Especially when it comes to soccer.
One of the most frustrating things in soccer/football is using your weak foot.
Most youth soccer players won’t even practice kicking with the weak foot because it doesn’t feel good to fail.
A players personality and understanding plays a big role in this.
As a person, you either get frustrated and don’t want to practice something that’s difficult or it drives you to practice and become good.
Either way, the key is that you choose the second one [practice].
Remind yourself to lock your ankle using your weak foot
Locking your ankle is vital when kicking short and long.
When kicking with the weak foot you especially have to remind yourself before every kick.
There’s a great quote from Johan Cruyff that says “Behind every kick there should be a thought”.
When practicing your weak foot, one thought should be to lock your ankle…
By doing this you will get more power and protect your muscles and joints in case you don’t connect clean.
Learn how to lock your ankle – click here for video
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