Kicking into Shape: A Drill for Open Program Kickers
At summer camps like the Saint Louis Crusaders Open program, kickers are working on building their endurance and accuracy. One effective drill to help achieve this is the "Kicking Ladder". Set up a ladder on the field with 5-7 rungs, spaced 3-4 feet apart. Players start at the bottom and kick a ball up each rung, focusing on proper form and technique. Complete 3 sets of 10 reps, resting for 30 seconds between sets. Coaching cues include: 'Keep your eyes on the target', 'Snap your plant foot into the ground', and 'Follow through with your kicking leg'. This drill translates to game performance by improving flexibility, balance, and strength. It also simulates the pressure of kicking in a game, where players must adjust their aim and technique quickly.