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

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