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It’s all about technique

It’s all about technique

Play better and safer using the right technique

Tackling and being tackled are two of the most common causes of injury in football. Foul play is sometimes involved but often, poor technique is the problem. Learning and practicing good technique could help you make a goal-saving tackle without committing a foul and without injuring yourself in the process.

The best technique is a safe technique

Good technique means not only knowing HOW to execute a skill but also IF and WHEN.

Tackling

Key points to remember when tackling:

  1. Stay aware of everyone and everything around you – the space, the ball, other players
  2. Wear your shin pads when your practicing as well as playing
  3. Keep your head steady
  4. Have weight moving forward
  5. When sliding, start slide at a time that minimizes the length of the slide and maximises the likelihood of making contact with the ball
  6. Remember that a tackle from behind or an overly aggressive tackle will be penalised by the referee, which could affect the outcome of the game.

Heading

The latest research suggests that heading a football is not associated with long-term head injury. However, incorrect technique can cause minor injuries and discomfort.

Key points to remember when heading:

  1. Keep your eyes open and focused on the ball throughout
  2. Keep your neck rigid and body in a position ready to attack the ball
  3. When heading down, contact the ball above the midline with the middle of your forehead
  4. When heading up, contact the ball below the midline with the middle of your forehead
  5. Avoid using the temples and the top of your head
  6. Always follow-through fully after heading the ball
  7. If jumping, take off on your dominant leg and think about landing safely – improving your ankle strength will help.

Shooting

If you’re not ready, even kicking a ball can result in injury. Before a game, don’t let anyone in your team take shots on goal until you’re all warmed-up. Take time to work on your kicking technique to help your shooting, passing and crossing ability as well reduce your risk of injury.

Key points to remember when striking the ball:

  1. Place your standing foot alongside the ball
  2. Raise your arms at your sides for balance
  3. Keep your head steady and the ankle of your kicking leg locked at 90o
  4. Strike through the middle of the ball with the instep of your foot
  5. Your body should be angled at impact as your standing leg bends slightly
  6. Allow your leg to follow-through fully.

Keeping an eye on it

A good way to improve your technique is to have someone film you in action and then watch it with your coach. Work on any changes, one at a time, and then film again to see how you’ve improved.

 

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