29 Feb 2024 23:16:51
Why is it so many professional players are afraid to shoot with their non-dominant foot? So many times I see professionals in PL bypass a shot to try to move ball to their dominant side and the opportunity disappears. I can't understand this happening with professionals. I know Bellegarde just did it. It was either v SU or Spurs when he was just outside the 6yd box with only keeper to beat.

It drives me crazy when I see it.

1.) 01 Mar 2024
01 Mar 2024 10:42:59
With you 100% on this, New Jersey. When I first started playing at a reasonable level, it was drummed into me that if I wanted to get anywhere, I'd need to able to use either foot with as high a degree of comfort as possible.

We started every training session at Youth team level with 10 minute passing drills, alternating with either foot with the result that my weaker left eventually became as strong as the right. I was never going to reach league standard but, even at my moderate level, if I ever found myself under pressure it came to my rescue time and time again.

The modern game is so much faster than in my day and there is so little time to switch to a favoured foot before the opening disappears. Instinct becomes everything. I remember the Bellegarde incident but the same can also be said of chances that have fallen this season to Pedro, Hwang, RAN and Pablo. It's so frustrating to see gilt-edged opportunities frittered away like this.

Having said this, I'm just thrilled with the progress we've made this season. And a big shout out to the Wolves fans who were there for the Brighton game. Even on TV, it was obvious that they played a huge part in dragging the boys over the finishing line. Couldn't have been more proud of you all.

2.) 01 Mar 2024
01 Mar 2024 13:44:15
Quite agree Pagham. I played at a minor level and in my teens used to practice with a friend taking penalties, trapping and passing with only my left foot until we were comfortable with both. It staggers me that players at the very top are so uncomfortable with one or other foot. Opportunities are missed and commentators forgive it it by saying it came to his wrong foot. Should not be so.

3.) 01 Mar 2024
01 Mar 2024 16:55:24
It's a good and interesting point that New. I just wonder if it's (partly) down to the stats driven nature of modern footy?! What I mean is that if these lads are having it drummed into um from a young enough age that the probability of scoring is X amount higher when using your dominant foot then maybe they just become a little hard wired to shift the ball onto it before shooting?! Sheer guess work and I'm probs wrong but you are definitely right in that it seems a lot more common these days to avoid shoting on a players weak side. Bellegarde was a classic example he should have just put his foot through it! ?

4.) 01 Mar 2024
01 Mar 2024 18:10:26
I always coach my youth players to not be afraid to shoot with weaker foot in practice and games. I prefer them to try, even if they flub it, than get into habit to avoid that side. As they realize I have their back, they grow more confident and less scared to make poor shot. In games, many times you don't get to choose which foot to use when a shooting opportunity is available.