Page #6 : Fundamental Footwork Patterns [FFP]

Inside step Inside (IsI)

A brief description of an

Inside step Inside (IsI)

 

An 'Inside step Inside' is a great way to initially :

  • Move the ball towards a space with an open foot (inside / big toe side)
  • Then step (do not touch the ball) with the other foot (to set up for another inside touch), and then
  • Use the Inside of the same foot (that was used for the initial inside touch) to move the ball again - [Maybe this is forward touch, a lateral touch or you chop the ball (as a fake kick maybe) or pass the ball (using the inside) or you use the inside to move it behind  (Cruyff turn) etc).

In other words you are moving towards one space*, step around the ball, before moving the ball towards again.

Also note : An 'IsI' can be used in a first touch moment, when running with the ball, in a 1v1 moment, or into a release.

*Note : Footwork [ and the game for that matter ] is about 'space' not moves.

 

    

The progressive practice videos below highlight an 

Inside step Inside (IsI).

We expect all TST players to eventually be able to do this pattern without even thinking.

The exercises below are not easy for young players, espeically the more advanced exercises,
so players need to work through them regularly to get comfortable with them.

    

Ball Mastery

Drag Back U

Move Forward : No Cones

    

Zig Zag Cones : Easy

Straight Line Cones

Ball Mastery

    

When doing footwork, always imagine a defender either pressing you, or trying to tackle you, and then try to understand how the footwork you are practicing would evade this pressure and move to a much better space.

    

The notes below are generic and appear on every page : Why?

Because understanding how to get the most out of practice is essential if the goal is to accelerate development.

 

Accelerate Development - Do Extras !

 
Players who are keen to accelerate their development should work through these exercises to advance their ability to move the ball efficiently and effectively around their feet and from one space to a different space.
 
The progression within every level would be :
  • 1st - Get smooth
  • 2nd - Get fast
  • 3rd - Get the head up.

 

tft-tube – The best free online practice challenge resource ever!

    

    

If these exercises are too hard then :

  • Use the online resource to start at an easier level and build up the level until the exercises can be done smoothly.

 

tft-tube – The best free online practice challenge resource ever!

    

If  these exercises is too easy then :

  • Can you do it as quickly as you can hop?  [Speed]
  • Can you do it without looking down at the ball? [Head up]

 

tft-tube – The best free online practice challenge resource ever!

    

 

Neuroscience of Learning

Find a challenge just out of reach. You should fail at first. You then keep trying. Keep failing less until you eventually succeed. Make sure it wasn't a fluke (do it again) but more importantly go to the next challenge - the next step on the ladder of development. And repeat and repeat and repeat. Slowly you will push the limits of your ability beyond levels you ever thought possible. You won't notice this change day to day, week to week but after doing this for years the difference will be massive.

Also this target & challenge based learning model taps into the dopamine reward system. This is a massive catalyst for development. Tap into this system (in teh right way) if the goal is to be the best player you can be.

 
There are always a more advanced ball mastery exercise in the resource to do.
 
And all good players should find these easy (even at speed and with the head up). 
 
If a single exercise is still a challenge (ie : you can't do 15 seconds non-stop without a mistake) then there's still lots of work to do.
 

tft-tube – The best free online practice challenge resource ever!

    

 

Technical development is simply a function of time.

 
In simple terms everyone needs to put in the same amount of time (assuming the quality of practice* is the same) to get to the same technical level.
 
However, the players who do the work in a 2 year period, will always be better than players who spread it over a 10 year period.
  • Most talented players do the hours early. &
  • Most players who appear to be behind, simply have not done the hours yet.
So development comes down to :
  • (1) A players' desire to get to the level they want, and 
  • (2) how well players back this up with the necessary minutes/ hours of practice.
And always remember that 5 minutes a day extra practice is infinitely better than no practice. And 5 minutes practice a day will add up over time, and becomes especially important when you factor in the fact improvement returns get compounded.
 

Quality of Practice

 
TST hopes to ensure the 'quality of practice' is as high as it can be and hope to inspire players to do just that little bit more.
 
Final note : Some practice is not always game functional (like advanced free style juggling / street-football style footwork) but of this is the practice you enjoy then do this. All touch work and technical training is always just a proxy to the game, and the game is about space. So what ever practice you do, just remember that in games - it is all how your touch uses space!