How to improve your weak foot

If you find yourself missing scoring opportunities because you’re taking that extra step to favor your strong foot, then it is time you improve your weak foot. Unless you are Messi or Ronaldo, being too dependent on a stronger foot is a major weakness for most players.

There is not a single solution that fits all. The key is repetition.

Probably you haven’t realized, but you’ve used your dominant foot in every training and game since the first time you stepped into a football pitch. All you have to do to improve your less-skilled foot is to take 15 to 20 minutes of each training session to practice using your less-skilled foot. You will notice the improvement in just a few weeks.

If you don’t want to make a fool of yourself in front of your teammates, or just simply can’t practice with your with both feet during training sessions. Then try these simple drills in your own time at least two times a week:

• Carry the ball between two points. Use two cones or two points of reference, and move from one to the other carrying the ball with your weak foot. Alternate using all parts of your foot: laces, sole, outside, inside, etc.
• Juggle with your weak foot. Don’t be hard on yourself. If you need, start by dropping the ball on your weak foot, kicking it and catching it. Repeat over and over, then try two kicks, then three, and so on.
• Shoot and pass against a wall. Start with passing, repeat over and over using your weak foot at all times. Then move into shooting. Avoid stopping the ball with your strong foot.

As you can see, there is no secret recipe to improve your weak foot. In fact, the drills above are the same used when you are learning to play the game. The only difference is that this time you focus on using your less-skilled foot.

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Pablo Matamoros

I am a software engineer with 25+ years of experience across diverse industries. I've climbed the corporate leader over the years, which has some benefits but means I moved away from my love for tinkering with technology. So, I build the odd website or application to keep learning and stay in touch with technology. FootballTechniques allows me to combine my programming knowledge with my passion for football.

To find out more about my professional experience, visit PabloMatamoros.com

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