I'm 21 and weigh more than 200 pounds, basically a big guy. The biggest problem in my game is my long shot. You'd expect a guy as big as me to have a really long shot but I usually can kick a dead ball only about maximum 40 meters. While I'd be satisfied with a maximum of say 70. I know this is probably because I never really had a chance to go to a real practice as a kid (just for the past year), so the years that are most important for proper technique were kind of wasted. Some 15-yearolds have a longer shot than me in my club. I know how to get the technique right so that the ball will fly straight and have backspin most of the time but it's won't go too far. So I'd appreciate any tips from you guys that can hit a ball much farther than me.
Actually during a game this problem won't often come out (except when I play defender sometimes), but I'd like to be able to hit a really long ball beacause then I'd be able to concentrate more during medium-long balls (which occur mosty during games) rather than trying to hit it with my whole streangth, wich often messes up a shot.
Shooting or hitting long balls? Shooting, I think it's very important to not try to hard. Be relaxed and don't think much about form when you're actually shooting.. For long balls, foot speed is really the key. Let form sort itself it, just think about moving your kicking foot as fast as possible. Practice is obviously important too. Different runs work for different people, try hitting the ball from a range of angles. Stand in one penalty box and try to hit balls in the air to the other.
Thanks for the advice! I've actually thought about this myself - I see guys who are much weaker than me hit much longer balls than me. So it must be leg speed. I'm very heavily built, especially my legs so that must be slowing me down. I'm trying to lose weight, I'm pretty sure it'll make my shot better (I know from experience - my legs just move faster then).
I wasn't thinking in terms of physique (Carlos has massive legs and look at his kicking power) but rather that when you're actually kicking you should be thinking about swinging your foot quickly rather than form during the kick and follow through. My build has remained pretty constant over the last 5 or 6 years, but I've gotten much better at kicking the ball far and hard.
Yeah, I know. But unlike Carlos I have a lot of fat that slows me down. When I'm in better shape (less fat) I've noticed that my shots are better.
Hitting the ball however you want, in my opinion, is more important than leg speed. I've read that it isn't necessary to swing your leg 100mph as long as you hit the ball firmly in the sweetspot depending on where you want it to go. as a keeper that takes the goal kicks, just get under it as much as possible (without 'biffing') and get some good rotation. worry about leg speed later. shot i can't help you out on too much... i guess just keep your knee over the ball and follow through and strike it sweetly
Ride a bike, working those muscles out will help you acheive your goal, plus lots of practice, and remember, accuracey before power!