Soccer Techniques - Basics

Outside of the Foot Pass

The “outside of the foot” or side-foot pass is the most technically demanding passing technique.

Passes at full speed can be done easier with the outside of the foot than with the full instep kick or “inside of the foot” pass, particularly in the close distance. The “outside of the foot” pass is suitable for, amongst others, spin balls, free kicks, shots on goal (including from larger distances) and volleys.

Note: the “outside of the foot” pass is often employed to avoid kicking with the “weaker” foot. This fact must be taken into consideration when training youngsters. The “outside of the foot” pass may only be used where the situation demands it and in a sensible manner.

POSTURE:

  • A. The ball is approached frontally. There is no bending of the leg or else just a small bend.
  • B. The upper body is bent slightly over the ball.

SUPPORTING LEG:

  • 1. The supporting leg/foot is placed on a level with the ball, but at a distance. This is because the kicking foot needs some internal legroom in order to hit the ball.
  • 2. The body weight is shifted onto the supporting leg.
  • 3. The supporting leg is bent slightly.

KICKING LEG:

  • 1. The kicking leg is slightly or even strongly (hard!) angled and lifted.
  • 2. The toes are turned inwards in the direction of the supporting leg.
  • 3. The ball is struck using the middle of the outside of the foot.

COMMON MISTAKES:

  • 1. Too much bending on contact.
  • 2. The kicking leg is not angled enough or properly swung though.
  • 3. The toes of the kicking foot are not turned sufficiently in the direction of the supporting leg.
Outside of the Foot Pass
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