Skills & drills for women’s football

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What it looks like

Kicking » Bending the ball

How?

“Bending the ball, or creating ‘swerve’, uses natural air resistance to make a shot change direction in mid-flight. It is done by kicking the ball off centre on the opposite side to the side you want the ball to swerve to. Practice is needed to develop the right combination of power and friction from the boot. ”

Why?

“Bending the ball is important when taking shots at goal or around defenders that are obscuring the goal, during corner kicks, crosses into the box, and passing the ball around opponents. It is less useful for passing because teammates might be surprised by where the ball ends up! ”

Tips & drills

For inside swerve, try swivelling on your non-kicking foot as you kick the ball. (But note: this movement should not be exagerated.)