[ilya123]

I'm 14 and I take soccer very seriously. Over the past years i've been playing mostly on the right wing until this year when the coach put me on the left. I thought that this would be a good time to work on my left foot. Except I don't know how to improve the strenght of my left leg, I know I should control the ball and shoot it more with my left, but I don't know how to physically make it stronger. What simple exercises can I do???

[pololo]

Originally posted by ilya123
I'm 14 and I take soccer very seriously. Over the past years i've been playing mostly on the right wing until this year when the coach put me on the left. I thought that this would be a good time to work on my left foot. Except I don't know how to improve the strenght of my left leg, I know I should control the ball and shoot it more with my left, but I don't know how to physically make it stronger. What simple exercises can I do???

Shoot the ball at the wall with the left then the right,in that way you train the technique of using the left one as good with the right.
It's hard but you got to keep pushing yourself.

Or else you can train with your partner with passes to each other,with the left.

[bungadiri]

I think what pololo says is basically it: drills that will give you lots of touches with your off leg. You might also make up rules for regular games that you can play with your friends, like only left footed goals count in your pick up games, or you can only pass and shoot with your left. We play 1 v 1 soccer tennis in our back yard (over a sidewalk), and sometimes we say only the left foot counts in sending it over to the other side.

Talk to your coach. Tell him you're interested in strengthening your left leg and ask him if he's got any advice. He might incorporate your training goals into the practices. After all, having 2 strong legs is good for anybody who plays, right? Also, doing this will help let your coach know (if he doesn't already) how serious you are about playing, and that you're determined to do well in the new position.

If you're talking about muscular strength, do NOT exercise your left leg (especially with weights) any differently than your right. That kind of imbalance is a good way to get injured. What seems like relative weakness is your off leg is really just relatively poor coordination, and it will improve as you work on your technique.

Also, check out the Player and Coach forums (near the bottom when you click on the Big Soccer Boards link). You might find some more pointers there.

Good luck!

[nicodemus]

I totally echo the sentiments above, but would like to add one more thing. Your basic "problem" is more than likely one of coordination and familiarity with frequently using your left side. Sure, one side is always naturally a little physically stronger, but not significantly. Just do drills to make the left more comfortable. Kicking against the wall and passing with a friend are great ways to do it. Also, if you have the luxury of having several soccer balls and a goal go take a bunch of shots so you can adjust that powerful rhythm to the left leg.

[deejay]

Originally posted by nicodemus
I totally echo the sentiments above, but would like to add one more thing. Your basic "problem" is more than likely one of coordination and familiarity with frequently using your left side. Sure, one side is always naturally a little physically stronger, but not significantly. Just do drills to make the left more comfortable. Kicking against the wall and passing with a friend are great ways to do it. Also, if you have the luxury of having several soccer balls and a goal go take a bunch of shots so you can adjust that powerful rhythm to the left leg.

Exactly, my left leg is stronger than most people's right but it took a lot of practice to get the coordination down to start kicking well.

[passtheblizz]

I suggest juggling with your left foot as much as possible. Try to meet the ball high as well as low. You have to develop proper balance standing on your right leg. Don't overwork your muscles... too much kicking with an untrained leg will result in strains. Nice easy chips against a wall will help your cross. Dribble parallel to the wall and kick it on the run. Don't just stand there and kick it. You should feel comfortable kicking the ball at any angle on stride. Footwork is the key, and you have to practice to make it automatic. You should also work on you left-footed dribbling so that you can turn the corner.

[russ]

Don't forget that although you're on the left side you'll still be able to use your right foot.Try turning the corner ,going down the byline, and cutting the ball into the box away from the GK with the outside of your right foot.

Also from left wing,if you cut inside and across the 18,you're set up for a good shot with your right foot to either post.

Of course,a great corner from the left is a right -footed inswinger.

Strive to be capable of playing the ball with either foot from anywhere.

[thepremierleague]

Originally posted by russ
Strive to be capable of playing the ball with either foot from anywhere.

My point exactly. See the replies to this exact same thread in the world rivalies forum.

It doesn't matter what side you play on. It's also essential to cultivate 2 good feet.

[soccerfan220]

I actually have a similiar problem. I am a lefty and want to get better with my right foot. Today I thought of a thing. I just started it today so I don't konw how well it's working, but this is it. Juggle the ball five times, using only your weak foot. Write down the total and the average. Do it again and try to beat your record. If you do this at least five times a day it will help, and it doesn't take much time. I'm going to do more than five times a day. It would probably also help to shoot really hard with it a lot. Make a goal in your back yard or just go to a soccer field. Try to go to a soccer field as much as you can because the fall season is just starting, but now most of the time there wouldn't be anyone there.