FUNCTIONAL SHOTS’ (Technical) – Part b
In this article, we continue to explore the ‘Functional Shots’ component of our player vision statement:
“A Performer who is an Athlete that Plays Smart with Functional Shots.”
Functional Shots is all about the technical element of the 4 Performance Factors (Psychological, Physical, Tactical, and Technical). The Tactical and Technical combine as a package to develop a ‘Player’.
In the first part of ‘Functional Shots’ we looked at what goes into a technical development program. This included practice design and principles. (Here is a link to the first article)
When it comes to technique, most coaches only have mechanics in mind. However, technique has a two-fold definition:
What the ball does (called ‘Coaching the Ball’) Without Ball Control, mechanics are just ways to look good. If the ball doesn’t do what it is supposed to when executing a tactic, what do the movements matter? (For a detailed article on Ball Control, click here.)
What the player does (the mechanical fundamentals). On the other side, if the ball is controlled but in inefficient ways, the player cannot evolve their technique for success at higher levels of play which may require more power generation and higher levels of consistency under challenge. Poor technique can also contribute to injury.
Both are essential for an accurate definition of technique.
In this article, we will learn about three key over-arching technical principles coaches can use to observe and improve the mechanics side of technique. There are many technical principles that can be used to improve technical execution. However, if the goal is to accomplish the mission of technique that is effective, efficient, and adaptable, as well as being able to minimize any ‘Red flags’, robust principles are required.
Timing, Rhythm and Momentum stand out as practical aspects of technique that zero in on what is most important to accomplish the mission of players with functional shots.
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