It's 5 minutes into 6 minutes of extra time. England is 1-0 down and about to get knocked out of the Euro finals by underdog Slovakia. It's a time when star players step up, and Bellingham is that player.
1st person view:
Ok, I know the throw will reach the near post. Get in a central position on the edge of the 6-yard box. This is where the ball will come if there is a flick-on. Be sharp now, be ready. Walker launches the throw. It has a good arc. Looking good for Guehi to reach first. Keep my space from the defender, nudge him with my left hand, and step away from the goal. Guehi flicks on the header. It's falling behind me. Step fast to the ball. Overhead kick is the only option. Eyes on the ball. Swing through and up with the left foot. Take off on the right foot. Fall backwards. Need to connect with right foot laces. Fast swing upwards of the right foot and connect with the ball. Aim for the left side of the goal behind. I'm close enough to the goal to direct the ball. Great connection! Twist and watch the ball and protect the fall with my left arm. No dive from the goalkeeper. It's in the net!
What a fantastic goal by Bellingham. This is a technique that takes plenty of practice and is spectacular when it comes off. Note how the thinking of positioning, and creating space from the defender are all part of the goal, not just the scissor kick itself.
One2Pro
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Practice:
Practice on grass or on a soft surface. Without a ball, work on the technique of quickly raising your non-kicking foot up towards an imaginary ball and then, launching off the kicking foot, swapping feet in a scissors motion, while falling backwards.
Throw a ball up for yourself and practice connecting with the laces towards a goal or target.
Have someone throw the ball above you from different angles for the practice.
Be the One! I hope you enjoyed the 1st person thinking :)
Aaron Tighe
Founder, One2Pro
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