Thoughts on using larger ball to gain strength in U12 player?

[Anonymous]

I hope no one derails this post, it's not club, not DA, no VYS/BRYC. Just a simple question on thoughts. I have 3 soccer players at home and I spend our open evenings on a local soccer field getting some exercise in and bond with the kids. I played youth soccer years ago, but am not a soccer player.

Here's my question, my 12 year old is trying to build up strength in her shots and overall power. I think putting a size 5 in front her would help build up that strength, but was wondering if it would have a negative effect on her accuracy during practices and games when she has to go back to a size 4. Has anyone tried this or have any insight?

[Anonymous]

Yes! Get her a size 5. It’s always good to have a size 5.

[Anonymous]

You should focus on working on her shooting technique. Simply using a bigger and heavier ball will not make a big difference to the power of her shot.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You should focus on working on her shooting technique. Simply using a bigger and heavier ball will not make a big difference to the power of her shot.

I agree with this, focus on technique such as the correct part of the ball, part of the foot, standing foot placement and it should help a lot. A bigger ball may actually make the problem worst when you have to actually play in a game with a size 4 since your target area is now smaller than what you practiced with. Stay with the correct size and work on technique. If you are not sure about the proper way to strike a ball, there may be some good instructional videos on youtube.

[Anonymous]

body mechanics are much more important than strength, just like a golf swing

[Anonymous]

OP here, think this might be the first time I've posted and gotten useful information. Thanks to all

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, think this might be the first time I've posted and gotten useful information. Thanks to all

It’s about technique. Get the technical skill down and as she grows power will come. As for using a large ball no. Use a smaller ball in drills and juggling- like a size one or smaller. It really helps with control.

[Anonymous]

Just go to Jellef. My kid looses size 5 balls on the regular.

[Anonymous]

Great question, OP. I was considering that arm thing for my DD.

[Anonymous]

you're pondering a change that is at most 3oz and could be as little as 1 oz.
And yes the bigger sz 5 will be easier to strike, and will potentially mess a player up then trying to strike a sz 4, but I doubt your
players could take enough touches that it would matter
they sell weighted balls for GK training but your player could hurt themselves kicking that ball

the answers given already are the correct answer technique, power comes from technique, scoring comes from accuracy and timing

focus on technique and focus on getting her weaker foot up to par with her dominant one

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:you're pondering a change that is at most 3oz and could be as little as 1 oz.
And yes the bigger sz 5 will be easier to strike, and will potentially mess a player up then trying to strike a sz 4, but I doubt your
players could take enough touches that it would matter
they sell weighted balls for GK training but your player could hurt themselves kicking that ball

the answers given already are the correct answer technique, power comes from technique, scoring comes from accuracy and timing

focus on technique and focus on getting her weaker foot up to par with her dominant one

My intent was not to make it easier to strike, just trying to strengthen the legs. Her technique is pretty sound and takes year round striking clinics with a local technical program, but she wanted more zip on the ball.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:you're pondering a change that is at most 3oz and could be as little as 1 oz.
And yes the bigger sz 5 will be easier to strike, and will potentially mess a player up then trying to strike a sz 4, but I doubt your
players could take enough touches that it would matter
they sell weighted balls for GK training but your player could hurt themselves kicking that ball

the answers given already are the correct answer technique, power comes from technique, scoring comes from accuracy and timing

focus on technique and focus on getting her weaker foot up to par with her dominant one

This makes perfect sense. Power does comes from technique, but will add that if he/she constantly practice kicking techniques, he/she will automatically build kicking muscles.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, think this might be the first time I've posted and gotten useful information. Thanks to all

It’s about technique. Get the technical skill down and as she grows power will come. As for using a large ball no. Use a smaller ball in drills and juggling- like a size one or smaller. It really helps with control.

^This. My kid went to the intl champions cup skill challenge. The ball they gave to the kids to juggle was much smaller and heavier than usual. According to my kid it made juggling and controlling harder.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, think this might be the first time I've posted and gotten useful information. Thanks to all

It’s about technique. Get the technical skill down and as she grows power will come. As for using a large ball no. Use a smaller ball in drills and juggling- like a size one or smaller. It really helps with control.

^This. My kid went to the intl champions cup skill challenge. The ball they gave to the kids to juggle was much smaller and heavier than usual. According to my kid it made juggling and controlling harder.

That's an interesting approach. Like giving her a futsal ball to juggle. Actually, have you considered strength training? There are places that have programs just for that and train athletes from varying sports.