About Marney Egan Expertise I can answer almost any question about the game of soccer (drills to practice, what to do in different situations, calls made by the referee, gear to use, fitness, etc.). I was a goalie in HS and college so I am able to answer more specific questions about this position. I can also provide insight on the college game (recruitment process, what to expect, etc.).
PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR AGE AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE GAME SO I CAN PROVIDE AN ANSWER CATERING TO YOUR AGE AND ABILITY. THANKS!!
Experience I have been playing soccer for 20 years (10 years as a goalie) and played at a D-I college. My father played professionally and has been a personal coach for my siblings and me through our careers (we have all played in college). I am currently coaching a U-13 Girls club soccer team and have also coached at several college camps during the summer including one hosted by the US Naval Academy.
Organizations Coach for Allegheny Force Football Club.
Education/Credentials Degree from Bucknell University; attended numerous soccer camps over the years including ones hosted by Notre Dame (Women's D-I National Champs) and Messiah College (Women's D-III National Champs).
Awards and Honors Patriot League Academic Honor Roll; Captain of high school soccer team.
Question When receiving a pass from the side or corner and practicing a one-strike shot, should a shooter usually shoot the ball with the closest foot or the farthest foot. My nine year old's soccer coach thinks the ball should pass to the far foot while it seems to me that most times, it would make sense to shoot with the near foot. This is a question about practice - not about shooting with the strongest foot.
Answer I think it depends on the location of the player receiving the ball in relation to the net and where they are trying to shoot the ball (near or far post). That being said, the coach is correct with the reasoning that you don't want to use the near foot when receiving a pass coming from the corner because it would be placing your body at an awkward angle to strike the ball properly (especially if you are trying to shoot toward the far post (the side of the net that is farthest from where the ball is coming from when it is passed). When you receive the ball you want to have your hips in a position where they are opened to the direction from which the ball is coming. Meaning that, if you are standing at the front of the net and the ball is coming from the corner, you should not be facing the net but rather standing at an angle that allows you to see both the player passing the ball AND the net. Therefore, using the closer foot might require too much of a readjustment to kick the ball correctly. However, this is not to say that you can never use the foot that is closer, it just might require the player to use a different part of the foot or use a skill that is a little advanced for your nine year old.
