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 hi , i want to know the right shooting technique. I use my right when playing. Last time i saw professionals players on TV and when they are shooting the ball hard their left hand seemed to make a circle swing. What i want to know is when we should use that circle swing.. i didnt see they do that when they pass the ball softly
Answer The circular arm movement that you are describing is simply an involuntary reaction done by the body to allow you to balance yourself while striking the ball. The reason why you typically don't notice a person doing it when making a pass on the ground is because the body is not unbalanced enough to require a large arm motion. Instead it will usually look like a small swing of the arm that is actually acting as a counter to the swinging motion of the leg. However, when you strike the ball to chip it or shoot it you are swinging your leg with a greater amount of force than when you make a pass on the ground and therefore need a larger counter swing or balance from your arm.
You will notice that the arm goes forward as the leg goes back and then as the leg comes forward the arm moves so that in ends up behind you. Some people just swing their arm from the front to the back while others will make more of a circle with their arm. There isn't necessarily a benefit from doing one motion or the other, it is just something that your body does in order to balance on the plant foot. In all my years of coaching and teaching the technique of striking a ball I have never told a player what to do with their arms because it is something that will occur naturally.
Also, since you mentioned that you "use [your] right when playing," I would like to point out that you should not ONLY use your right foot when passing or shooting. It is OK to favor one foot over the other when you are shooting, but it should not be the only foot you use. Make sure that you work with both feet when practicing...because there is no such thing as a one-footed soccer player!
I hope this helped and that you continue to play and enjoy the wonderful game of soccer!! Please write again if you have any other questions!
