To strike a ball properly using a specific technique, focus on using the outside of your foot, just to the side of the laces, and stepping through the ball while striking its lower part.
Based on the provided reference, here is a breakdown of this effective ball-striking method:
Mastering the Ball Strike: The Side-of-the-Laces Technique
This technique emphasizes power and accuracy by utilizing a specific area of your foot and proper body mechanics.
Key Elements of the Strike
- Foot Placement: The striking surface is the outside of your foot, precisely just to the side of the laces. This area is described as a "nice dense part of the foot," which provides a solid point of contact for transferring power.
- Contact Point on the Ball: You should aim to strike the lower part of the ball. Striking the ball lower typically helps to keep the shot low and powerful, or with slight loft depending on follow-through.
- Body Motion: The crucial movement is stepping through the ball. This implies that your momentum continues forward after contact, ensuring you transfer maximum power into the strike.
Steps for Executing the Strike
Follow these steps to practice and perfect this technique:
- Approach the Ball: Position yourself slightly to the side of the ball, preparing to strike with the outside of your preferred foot.
- Place Your Plant Foot: Your non-striking foot (plant foot) should be positioned alongside the ball, allowing you to swing your striking leg freely and powerfully.
- Engage the Correct Foot Area: Make contact with the ball using the outside of your foot, just to the side of your laces.
- Strike the Lower Half: Aim your contact point on the lower part of the ball.
- Step Through: Continue your movement and momentum through the ball after contact, ensuring a full follow-through.
Utilizing the dense area on the outside of your foot near the laces allows for a firm strike, while stepping through provides power and control. Striking the lower part can influence the trajectory of the ball, typically resulting in a driven shot.
By focusing on these specific points – foot area, ball contact point, and stepping through – you can effectively strike a ball using this powerful technique.
