There are five basic techniques could be used to execute a ground pass. The following table summarises the advantages and disadvantages of different types of techniques:
Type
Advantages
Disadvantages
1. Inside of the foot – Push
Offers the best accuracy because of the large surface of the boo presented to the ball
Easy for defenders to predict
Difficult to generate power so it is unsuitable for long passing
Difficult to execute on the run because it is impossible to position correctly without interrupting the stride pattern
2. Instep (laces)
Easy to disguise intentions
Possible to add power and pace to make it available both for long passing and shooting
Can be made while running
It is a difficult technique to be executed
3. Outside of the foot – flick
To be made with the minimum of the foot movement and maximum of disguise
Only be used over short distances
4. Outside of the foot – swerve
To be used to bend the ball around an opponent
Over long distance so it is a valuable shooting technique
Be used when running
Draw the ball away from the goalkeeper when crossed from a flank
The more swerve required, the more difficult it is to execute this technique
5. Inside of the foot – swerve
Bent around an opponent
Be used over short and long distances
The ball can easily be lifted a few inches over a defender’s outstretch legs
Great deal of swerve can be imparted
Draw the ball away from goalkeeper when crossed from the flank
Never go straight, always be spinning, possibly making control more difficult
The best footage I can think of to show the execution of the ground passes to create a goal is the second goal of Argentina vs. Serbia & Montenegro at the 2006 World Cup. Most of the passes involved were ground passes and some of the techniques they used are not covered in these 5 basic techniques (e.g. back heel pass).
I am the founder of footballperformanceanalysis.com. I worked as a performance analyst and football coach. With experience of working within professional football club, I am competent at using performance analysis products (SportsCode Gamebreaker and Prozone). My goal is to combine the knowledge of football and performance analysis.
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