Here are some specific tips that you may want to go over:
To produce a high clearance, strike the ball below its equator with the instep/base of your big toe.
Make sure you plant your supporting foot not in line with the ball but slightly behind it.
Do not lean forward over the ball.
Strike "trough the ball," do not think about contacting it.
Retrieving your foot further back will generate more power.
Kicking the ball away from danger may not always be the best decision. Experienced defenders use cunning clearing tricks. For example, if you're close to the sideline, you may try and kick the ball at the knees of your opponent and let it rebound off the pitch. Remember that shielding could also be used for guiding the ball away from enemy intervention. Always take your time with the ball and make composed decisions. Even better: decide what you want to do before you get the ball. by Expert 18:46:47 Monday 29 March 2004 |
