How to Avoid Slicing the Soccer Ball

never slice or miss the soccer ball again


1. If you have time, as the ball approaches, take a first touch to control it. Don't keep your leg and ankle rigid but rather as the ball hits your foot just drag your foot about an inch inwards in the direction the ball is traveling. This way the ball will "stick to your foot" - instead of bouncing away from your rigid foot the ball will be buffered by your foot and the speed will be taken out of it. Now the ball is under your control and you can prepare your strike rather than taking a hurried swing which may result in a slice.

2. for the goal first. If you have to hit the ball first time, under pressure from a defending player, then take a look at the goal BEFORE the ball reaches you. Now you have already seen where the other players are positioned and you have made up your mind on where to shoot for BEFORE the ball arrives at your foot.

* As you already know where you are going to shoot for you don't have to look up again. So give all your attention to the ball now.


3. Judge the ball's path as it approaches you, and anticipate where it is going to be once it arrives in your area.

4. As the ball approaches, place your supporting leg, keeping it straight, beside the ball (to the right of it for lefties and to the left of it for righties!)

* Your striking leg should now swing very closely beside the supporting leg - allowing you much more control over the strike. REMEMBER - the more space between your supporting leg and striking leg as the swing is made then the less control you have.


5. Keep your eye on the BALL at all times.

6. Keep your body OVER the ball as you strike. REMEMBER - the further your body is away from the ball the less control you have.

7. Kick with the laces of your boots. TOP OF YOUR FOOT.

8. You can start to strike with outside of your foot to get curl and direction on the shot but for now just strike the ball with the top of your foot and aim for the centre of the ball.

9. Hit the centre and follow through with your striking leg. This will allow you the best direction and ensure that you never slice again.

* The basics to remember are: decide where your shot is going BEFORE the ball arrives (a quick look up), anticipate where the ball will be as you meet it, KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL BEFORE AND EVEN AFTER YOUR STRIKE, stick your support leg beside the ball, strike through with your striking leg swinging very close to your support leg, keep your body over the ball to keep it down, aim for the centre of the ball, and hit it with your laces (TOP OF FOOT).

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