Coaches Corner

BLOCK TACKLE              

Whatever position you play in you need to be able to tackle. So if you want to get that ball back in your possession you better read on. The block tackle is the best and most common way of doing this.

Step One
Get to your opponent quickly to deny them time and space on the ball. But don't commit yourself too early or you will foul them or be easy to beat. Jockey your opponent and wait for the best time to make a challenge. Sometimes just putting your opponent under pressure will cause them to make a mistake.

Step Two
When you think you can win the ball your weight should be moving forward as you prepare to tackle with the inside of your foot. This will probably be just as your opponent looks to either pass the ball or knock it past you.

Step Three
If the ball becomes stuck between your feet and your opponent's then get your foot under the ball to lift it away. Make sure you keep your ankle and leg firm throughout making a tackle. You are much more likely to get injured if you are not properly committed to a challenge.

JOCKEYING THE PLAYER    

Nothing to do with riding horses but a useful skill to know about. You don't always need to tackle an opponent to dispossess them or slow their progress. Jockeying denies your opponent time and space and it's a good tactic to use to allow other team-mates to regain position.

Step One
Adopt an almost side-on position, but with shoulders opened out slightly so that you provide a barrier to your opponent. This will also allow you to see them in front of you. If you keep your knees slightly bent with your weight on the front of your feet then you'll find it easier to change direction as you move backwards.

Step Two
You need to try and always stay 'goal-side' and in front of your opponent. You can do this by pivoting off your back foot as you move backwards.

Step Three
Try to stay within an arm's length of your opponent to increase the pressure on them. If you have your arms slightly out to your sides then it creates a bit more of a natural barrier but make sure you don't use them to push an opponent.

THE SLIDING TACKLE      

When properly timed, the sliding tackle is a very effective skill. It also looks very good, but remember that this is a last ditch tackle. The problem with it is that it leaves the defender laying on the ground and temporarily out of the game. And if you get the timing wrong then you will give away numerous fouls. Or a penalty if in the box!

Step One
The tackle from behind has been outlawed from the game so you need to aim to make your tackle from the side and across the path of your opponent. If you are chasing back towards your own goal and your opponent is ahead of you then you will have to get your tackling foot around the side or it will be deemed a foul.

Step Two
Use the leg furthest away from your opponent and try to pass or hook the ball away as you slide in. Whether the tackle has been successful or not, once the challenge has been made get back up on your feet as quickly as possible.

SHOOTING                   

To be a great goalscorer you've got to be able to shoot! Sounds obvious, but how easy is it? Getting shots in at goal and scoring is what football's all about. It's easily the most glamorous and rewarding part of the game. Power, accuracy and scoring, or at least making the goalkeeper save, are the principles of shooting.

Step One
The basics are the same as the low drive with the instep, but you will increase the power by bringing the kicking leg through quickly and increasing your follow through. Try and keep your shots low and aim for the corners as this is the hardest area for the goalkeeper to save. If you shoot towards the far post, then a team-mate can take advantage of any rebounds. Aim to get plenty of power into the shot, but don't sacrifice accuracy. If a shot isn't on target it doesn't matter how hard you hit it because you won't score.

TIP: If you are hitting a bouncing ball, try to strike the top half of the ball to send it downwards.

BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM  

David Beckham and Roberto Carlos have shown you can cause huge problems for keepers by changing the direction of the ball in the air. If you can bend the ball in both directions then you have an extra weapon of surprise to use against the opposition.

Step One
Position your standing foot a comfortable distance from the ball as you approach at an angle. Start by practising this skill for a dead ball situation such as a free-kick. But you also want to have the ability of curling a shot or pass from open play when you are on the move.

Step Two
To curve the ball from right to left use the inside of your foot, striking the bottom half of the right side of the ball. Or if you want to curve the ball from left to right with your right foot, use the outside of your foot. Aim to make contact with the bottom half of the left side of the ball. In both cases your follow through will not be in the direction of the target as you are cutting across the back of the ball rather than kicking through the centre of it.

VOLLEYING                  

Not too easy one this one, but it's a great one to have in your locker. The volley involves striking a ball that is still in the air and this can make accuracy even harder. It is one of the most explosive parts of football. Zinedine Zidane is a big fan of this one. There are few more satisfying moments in the game than connecting cleanly with a volley and seeing it scream into the net.

Step One
Make your mind up early and keep your eyes focused on the ball as you get into the line of flight. Use your arms for balance and imagine a strike zone in front of you. Keep your head still and judge where you think the ball is going to arrive. Plant your non-kicking foot and leading with the knee bring the kicking leg through.

Step Two
The leg should be slightly bent, with the toes pointing down and the ankle held firm. Try to keep your non-kicking foot in contact with the ground as it will keep you steady, aim to make a solid connection with the ball. If you try to bring your kicking leg through too quickly you will find it difficult to control the volley. Strike the centre or top half of the ball with the instep and keep your head over the ball to keep your volley down. Follow through in the direction of the target.

HEADING                     

Heading the ball is a massive part of the game. It's a vital skill to have - whatever position you play in. The forehead is the safest and most effective part of the head to use. So get yourself into the best position and get the timing of your headers right.

STEP ONE

The most important thing to do is keep your eyes focused on the ball, and also move into the line of flight.

STEP TWO

Generate power into the ball by. Bending the knees, arching the back, thrusting your head and body forward on contact keeping your neck muscles tensed. Use your arms for balance as you will be off the ground for many of the headers. Be careful not to raise them too high or wave them around or you'll be in trouble with the referee.

STEP THREE

Try to head the ball at the highest point of your jump - letting the ball drop will only raise the chances of an opponent beating you in the air. Head the ball with your forehead, the area directly above your eyebrows. Be positive as you make contact with the ball, keeping your eyes open.