Six Inches of Soccer Separation

In several previous posts, I have discussed just how critical creating space or separation is for a soccer player. I have discussed first step quickness, acceleration (first 6 steps), lateral movement skills, shuffling and side running...well all of those topics and techniques will result in a soccer player creating separation.

Sometimes however, as players get older and skills as well as athleticism become more similar...in other words, defenders are now as fast and as agile as strikers, you may need to look for other means.

So what can you do to create even more separation? Well, at this higher level, six inches of separation on the soccer field might be all that you can gain. If this is the case for players or a team that are evenly matched athletically, one skill which doesn't get a ton of fanfare or is considered a beautiful skill to possess, but is highly productive under the right circumstances is the "toe poke"!

The Toe Poke is a quick extension of the leg and foot extending the toe out to knock the ball past a diving goal keeper or a pressuring defender. That quick extension may gain you six inches or so which may be all you need to score that winning goal or to help your team keep possession.

While the toe poke often times unbalances the player and forces them to the ground...it can be the final six inches of separation that you may need.

While Clint Dempsey's huge goal against Spain wasn't a typical toe poke, his extension and laying out to create more length was the difference between scoring and not scoring.

I hope you enjoyed this post, leave me a reply!

Have a great day!

Gary

www.soccerandspeedcoach.com