Let me start off by saying that balance is a fairly broad term that refers to how well you maintain your center of gravity. Balance affects your game both with (mechanics) and without the ball (agility).
If you observe any skillful player, you’ll notice that he performs complex techniques while remaining in balance. This will be especially evident when he controls or dribbles with the ball. By working on your mechanics through practice or visualization you are essentially improving your balance. Here are some important points you should remember:
Keep your center of gravity low by staying on your toes, leaning forward and bending the knees.
Don’t flap your arms around. Relax and try to keep your shoulders leveled.
Adjust to the ball by quickly shuffling your feet.
Agility refers to your ability to change direction without losing speed or balance. Agility training is basically speed training with an emphasis on change of direction. Instead of going from point A to point B, you can try running in zigzagging patterns. Remember that the same principles of speed training apply, the most important of which is quality (suppressing fatigue). Segment your practice so that you’re always moving at top pace. by Expert 21:49:43 Sunday 29 April 2007 |
