The main assumption of players first learning the game of soccer, and more precisely trying to learn how to kick a soccer ball is that simply learning the technique, or mechanics of the skill are sufficient for success in the game. The truth of the matter is far more reaching however.
While a concentrated effort and focus on the proper angle of kick, area of the foot to strike with, power behind the kick, and other necessary mechanics are of great importance what happens on the field can instantly deteriorate what was honed in practice.
When the mob attacks.
Consider for a second taking the ball down the field, in perfect control, everything seems to be lining up for a good shot, when all of a sudden…you look up to see three defenders coming right at you. Or, worse still, that one all star player from the other team that everyone raves about is coming straight for the ball.
Its unlikely at best that your complete focus and attention will be on the skills you learned in practice about how to deliver that perfect kick. Steady rationale gone, fear wins out.
Another scenario would be that everything has gone just as planned. The ball is now passed to you, and you are all set for that perfect shot. Or, even better, you have been given the favor by foul of an open shot at the goal. Adrenaline pumping, the crowd cheering, your team’s anticipation is filling the air. Is your mind going through the checklist of all the things you were taught about how to kick a soccer ball just right to ensure the goal is yours? Steady rationale gone, excitement wins out.
What is a soccer player to do, if he or she ever hopes to have that great success always aspired towards during a game?
The answer can be found no further than our own military services.
Its these factors of fear and excitement that the military contends with every day, and the same solution that the military uses can be employed just as successfully by anyone wishing to bring their soccer game up into the next level and beyond. It all comes down to that dreaded word – drills!
The one thing that separates the major pro’s and the ‘wanna-be’s’ in soccer has nothing to with natural talent or abilities. It has everything to do with militaristic determination to consistently and relentlessly drill. Drill, and drill again, until the skill and techniques become second nature.
When the adrenaline is pumping, the fear takes over, and the expectations are high, the clear cut winner will always be the one who can react in that split-second, not the one who needs to think it through.
Learning how to kick a soccer ball properly is one of the most important and fundamental skills in the game. However its the drills, drills, drills, that will take you to MVP.