Why be both footed?

Why Practise to Become Both Footed?

If you have a very good strong foot, then why spend time practising on the other? Could that time practising your technique on your weak foot be better off used elsewhere?

It's a question asked, and thought, quite a lot. If you are great on one foot, then is there much point in practising on the other?

There absolutely is...

Developing players to become both footed is a very important aspect of technical development. It creates more opportunities for the player to influence the game, maximising their potential. How many times have you seen a central midfielder control the ball on their right foot, proceeding to pass out to the right wing, almost forgetting there is a left winger? Other times we see the centre back too afraid of passing the ball to their midfield with their weaker foot, instead opting for the inaccurate clearance that just gives the ball to the team anyway; or the striker who has a great chance to shoot early, but decides to take one extra touch to put the ball on their strong foot.

Being one footed can limit your game. Being either footed can help you flourish and maximise your potential.

In a game of football we actually touch the ball much less than we realise. The ball is also in-play for much less of the game than we think. Therefore, when we get it, we need to be positive and maximise our opportunities. Training and practising with both feet allows us to do just that.

Both footed players also bring an element of unpredictability to the game; do they move the ball to the left, or right? A one footed player, however, is easier to read and defend against.

Players need to take as many opportunities as they get during the game. We can't worry about crossing, passing, or shooting the ball because it's on the wrong foot. Enough practice and these worries won't be an issue, the player will instead become much more effective.

As players progress and play against more competitive teams and individuals, the speed of play, mentally and physically, increases. Players will soon become caught out, crowded and pressured into making mistakes if they are just a one footed individual.

If we have the use of both feet, then how many more passes will we make, touches on the ball will we take, crosses, extra shots, goals will we score?

Being both footed opens up more doors, allowing you to play in different positions and maximise your opportunities. We have to make our own opportunities and take them - waiting for them doesn't work.

Become both footed and maximise your opportunities, working toward fulfilling your potential.

The Both Footed Player

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Become Both Footed, reach your potential.