Toe Poking

We coach Under 8's and have a few boys who simply cant grasp correct ball striking, be that inside of the foot or laces. Does anyone have any exercises we can try? We know that one day the penny will drop, but really trying to bring that day sooner haha

  • I've currently got a mixed ability U9 team and I have one lad who's very much a toe-poker. The key for me is not to single him out as being 'wrong' but rather tailor the first part of training sessions around dribbling. This almost naturally encourages inside /outside step touches and then if we're on shooting/passing skills, just the odd gentle reminder to 'use your foot like you're dribbling/passing it'. I'm not saying he's stopped doing it now, far from it, but I can see him shaping his body differently and the potential 100% toepoking is down to mid 90s after a few weeks.

    The 'penguin' feet walking/dribbling is great too.