Start with your plant foot alongside the ball take a lunge step back. Then lunge step to the left or right opposite the foot you’re going to kick with, completing the L shape. The change here is that we’re coming from an angle with a pro step so the plant foot has to twist to point at the Target when we land. Make sure that the PROSTEP is long and quick and drive the laces through the ball. Keep a locked ankle through the follow-through.

Receive the ball sideways on in a shielding position, with the sole of the foot.  Patiently wait for the defender to overplay them from behind and then sole roll and seal off the defender driving away.

When a defender is running alongside an attacker, the defender gives simple clues on how to beat them.

Look for the defenders HIPS.  If they are BEHIND the attacker, simply cut in front and gain the positional advantage into the space. “Hips Behind, the Goal is Mine”

If the defenders hips are in FRONT of the attacker, cut the ball behind them and accelerate away. “Hips that Beat me Cut it Sweetly”

Check run the defender away. Receive the ball with the far foot.  Immediately scissor with the same foot. Attack the center of the field with the outside of the opposite foot.

When beginning to train heading the first technique we focus on is bending at the waist for power.

We start in a seated position, elbows out, knees extended and in a half sit-up position. Make a target with your hands and have your partner toss the ball to the target hands.  Drive your head through the ball with your hairline, bringing your elbows back and snapping the head forward.

If you have any concerns about heading being dangerous at a younger age, use any soft ball, or even a balloon.  But please make sure the technique is taught correctly.   The better the technique the less likely there is of injury as they get older.