Hi James, could you start small and work up? perhaps go to a playing field or somewhere and start with her kicking the ball a small distance to you, then slightly longer and so on. Same with when the ball is in her hands. This may help her to build confidence and figure how to kick the ball - which can be a great way to learn.
Whereabouts does the ball go when she kicks it?

That’s what I’ve been trying. Looking at her I think the main issue is her body position (it doesn’t help that she also does karate and kicking technique is practically the opposite of what she needs to do it kick a ball).

its mainly consistency. Some kicks will be perfect, the next will fly off at a 45 degree angle, the next will be off her shin.

Hmm ok, maybe one for our coach developers. Sharon Muxworthy Vinny Halsall Peter Sturgess Lawrence Lok  any thoughts?

Hi James Richmond  thanks for sharing the challenge around your daughter developing her skills as a goalkeeper.

Several questions to help me provide specific guidance:

- what age is your daughter?

- does your daughter also play on the pitch?

- do you coach her group or are you asking for ideas as a parent away from practice sessions and matchdays?

Regards,

Vinny Halsall

FA Grassroots Coach Development Team

hi james 

lots of small practices which can be used as warm to ingrain the basic movements needed

dropping the ball onto the thighs alternatley as she is moving forward

letting the ball bounce once infront of her whilst moving forward

that one bounce could then turn to a volley after the bounce but so she can catch it

there are lots of little things that start small, work the right muscles needed to execute and work the brain repeatedly so she can move onto bigger kicks, its als worth coaching how to roll or throw the ball out

Hi James,

I hope you are well.

Here is a home made video on the basics of passing, this breaks up the technique of passing from the ground. Please note this was created for technical content and not practice design. Have a look at this video for how to include goalkeepers within your practice for practice design tips.

Here are a few considerations; 

1. Developing skilful players involves participating in practices including opposition, direction, goals/targets and penetration. The more of these types of practices the easier the transfer is for matchday.

2. At times it can be appropriate to spend some time practicing towards the left hand side of the practice spectrum (practice spectrum video here). However consider if this is needed and how much time you would spend in this area without losing player engagement. 

3. Age and stage of the players development is a huge consideration. The fly kick is a difficult technique and considering your format of football, consider how often goalkeepers are required to use it. Additionally youth goalkeepers will still be developing their balance and co-ordination skills and the level of challenge should align to this. Also, players and coaches can have a desire for distance when distributing the ball, consider what is the appropriate distance for the players age and stage of development (have they developed the strength for long distance kicking) and as  referenced start small, and be patient in building up.

I hope this is of help and good luck to you and your daughter. 

Regards 

Ronnie  

Hi James, 

In addition to other comments and videos shared the mechanics of kicking technique can be broken down into 3 phases of approach, contact and follow through. The info below is based on a lofted pass from the ground where the GK is kicking for distance: 

1. Approach - slightly angled approach to allow kicking foot to swing through; standing foot firmly planted alongside the ball with toes pointing towards the intended target; arms out for balance 

2. Contact - laces contact through the middle to bottom half of the ball; hips and shoulders pointing towards the intended target; head steady and eyes focussing on the ball 

3. Follow through - swing the kicking foot through the ball in the direction of the intended target. As an added tip to encourage the follow through in the direction of the target ask the player to exaggerate the follow through by landing on the kicking foot. This feels a bit unnatural but in my experience helps players increase power and accuracy. 

Good luck with your coaching 

Mark 

Hi All

For the drop kick, our U13 goalkeeper was always trying to kick "side-winder" style as it looks cool and is very effective when done professionally. But it always ended disastrously which really knocked his confidence. We gained some quick success with just pulling it right back to a simple one-step forward whilst holding the ball out between both hands, then releasing the ball and lace booting it (whilst watching the ball at all times). The ball is now gaining good height and almost reaches the halfway line. Nice and simple but it is building his confidence no end (and that of his team mates) .

For goal kicks, our goalkeeper could not get goal kicks off the ground so I have been spending 15 minutes per session (1 hr sessions) focussing on the dead ball kick. It is taking a while but we are getting there! As suggested by others, so far these would be the key points to focus on:

• Run up to the ball - three steps back, two to the side (like a rugby kicker) - this is very experimental!
• Raising the opposite arm high and out for balance during the run up
• Planting the foot next to the ball, pointing in the direction wanted (the distance between planted foot and ball is where we have also taken time to get comfortable with better effectiveness)
• On the swing, opening up so that the body is facing towards the target rather than at an angle
• At this stage, rather than laces, we have had more success using the "big toe knuckle" (the big bony bit - sorry for poor anatomy) connecting with the lower half of the ball
• Definitely follow through and always focussing on the ball

I am sure every player will find their own unique way but so far, the above has worked well. Always room for improvement and we will continue practising this technique to fine tune. Repetition in little chunks helps, as I'm keen to not overload/overwhelm but also demotivate if it isn't going well on the night. Short bursts of effort work fine.

Finally, just add loads of praise and motivation  

Good luck!! x