2.13minutes in for Goal
What a way to make a debut! Dutch international, 23-year-old Joshua Zirkzee, is substituted on with the game at 0-0 and gets the winner with minutes to spare. Maybe Utd have found their goalscorer.
1st Person View:
Fernandez has turned the defender inside our own half; left wing. Now he's running free with the ball. He needs a pass. I'm free, no one near me. Defenders are back outside their box, watching Rashford and Garnacho. Hold this center position 40 meters out. Call for the ball. He sees me. Yes, here the ball comes with good pace. Open out on the ball using the back right foot instep; help the ball arc around me and into the space in front in one motion. Perfect. Now attack the acres of space. Can't believe they've dropped off this deep. Push fast into it.
Casemiro's running alongside on the right, slightly ahead, and has Garnacho in front of him. It's an overload on that side. Okay, next touch, pass to Casemiro. Done! Now let's get in the box. They'll get a cross in. Time the run, slow a little on the edge of the box; stay behind on the blind side of defender Pareira. Get ready for a cross.
Casemiro slips in Garnacho, right wing edge of the box. He's shaping to cross first time—yes, here it comes, and it's coming low at pace between the defenders. I'm going to be first to the ball. Not much I can do, only direct the ball towards the goal and use its pace. Take it in stride; let the ball come across the body. Okay, left foot, side foot instep, connect towards the far corner. Yes! Good connection, the ball's on its way. Keeper Leno is diving; he's not going to make it. It's like slow motion. On it goes... It's hit the net. Goal!!
Summary:
Goal scorers have a knack for being in the right place at the right time. Is that luck or something else? The answer is it's an instinct gained through years of experience, understanding what works more than what doesn't. You make runs to positions where you know the ball is likely to arrive and when it will arrive. You can understand that even more when you know the players around you and when they will likely pass. In this case, Zirkzee is playing in his first game with Garnacho, so he's taking an educated gamble on that position and timing for a first-time cross. His finish is exceptional. He makes it look so easy, so nonchalant. It’s a wonderful, guided touch of the ball towards the far corner. It's not luck; it's a wonderful skill, honed from practice with the ball, a side volley approach. What a promising start at Utd.
Practice:
Side foot volleys against a wall.
To begin with: Stand 2 meters back and simply side foot volley against the wall, allowing the ball to bounce before each volley. 100 reps.
Next, move closer to the wall and volley left and right foot alternately against the wall with no bounce of the ball. 50 reps.
Test yourself by adding up how many you do before you lose control. That then is your record and target.
In training and matches, practice making runs into the box where you arrive as the ball arrives. Time your run fast or slow to get there. Remember to always play away from defenders. Half a meter could be all you need.
One2Pro
The use of video with a coach review is fantastic for honing skill and performance.
In our One2Pro online coaching app, 'techniques of the stars' are broken down step-by-step for our players to follow and practice.
Download to view all skills free, and subscribe to work with your One2Pro coach.
Be the One! I hope you enjoyed the 1st person thinking. :)
Aaron Tighe
Founder, One2Pro
Comentários