We had great success with the “LEGENDS MAESTRO” series for teaching the world’s best soccer moves. In the MAESTRO series, players are rewarded with an M for performing a good Drag Maradona, an A for performing a great Fake Shot, an E for demonstrating a good L Turn, an S for an efficient Matthews, a T for a faultless Spin Cruyff, an R for a superb Puskas, and an O for an effective Double Scissors.
We also have a shooting training program called the “ACE TOPGUN” SERIES.
In the world of fighter pilots, the best at shooting down enemy planes is either an ACE, awarded for shooting down five enemy planes, or a TOPGUN, which is the highest in ability, rank, or prestige in the squadron. Earning the prestigious ACE TOPGUN striker should be the goal of all Legends players.
Our Kansas City indoor facilities have been designed to facilitate the quickest and most technically proficient shooting ability in world history. They have eight-foot-tall walls surrounding every game field and SoccerBox. The rebound walls have lines/targets at which to shoot. For shooting practice at home, it is recommended that players find a wall to shoot at or purchase a rebound net, because a ball that rebounds after each shot reduces the time lost to ball retrieval and shortens the learning curve. Players may have a basement or outside wall at home that will work. Or maybe use a garage door and a two-ounce tennis ball. Failing that, there’s usually a decent rebound wall in a local park or school. As a last resort, several good soccer rebounding nets are available online.
The goal is for every Legends player to pass the ACE TOPGUN standard for pinpoint shooting technique.
Players who reach the highest level have invariably mastered the shooting techniques that are key to achieving their goals. The Legends Soccer Club’s ACE TOPGUN series is a comprehensive shooting program that helps every child develop the elite technical ability to score by mastering history’s most effective and devastating shooting skills.
With our unique training facilities and the MAESTRO/ACE TOPGUN dribbling and shooting series, Legends players can create goalscoring opportunities and put the ball into the corner of the net in the most challenging circumstances.
To conquer every soccer shot, five key technical areas must be perfected:
1. Choose the approach that allows you to use your strong foot where possible.
2. Choose the optimal placement of the non-shooting foot (hopefully the weakest one).
3. Choose the best shape of the ball-striking foot at contact (the strongest foot if possible).
4. Choose the optimal body position during the shot.
5. After contacting the ball, shape the follow-through for the desired result.
The ACE TOPGUN series covers every critical nuance of each shot for the nine key shooting techniques. Players should use their strong foot when possible.
Let me explain how the ACE-TOPGUN shooting series works:
In ACE TOPGUN, each letter relates to one of the nine key shooting techniques.
The A skill is a straight shot with the top of the strong foot.
The C skill is a straight shot with power using the inside of the strong foot (no bend).
The E is awarded for a strong-footed “Toe Poke.”
The T is earned for a Banana Shot with the inside of the strong foot.
The O is earned for a Banana Shot with the outside of the strong foot.
The P is the Chip Shot, where the ball rises steeply and drops quickly under the opposing crossbar.
The G is the Full-Volley, where the shooter strikes the ball while it is in the air.
The U is a Half-Volley, where contact occurs a moment after the ball bounces.
The N is a Side Volley, where the ball moves laterally towards the shooter and is struck with whichever foot is closest.
Try to use the strong foot whenever and wherever possible.
ACE TOPGUN SHOOTING PROGRAM KEY CRITERIA FOR GETTING EACH LETTER AWARD:
To earn the letter A, shoot accurately and powerfully with the top (usually the laces) of the strong foot (little bend).
To earn the letter C, rotate the toe of the shooting foot 90 degrees outward and shoot accurately and powerfully in a straight line with the inside of the strong foot (no bend).
To earn the letter E, shoot accurately and powerfully with the toe area (very front point) of the strongest foot.
To earn the letter T, bend the ball maximally, accurately, and powerfully by using the inside of the strong foot to cut diagonally across, under, and through the nearest side of the ball.
To earn the letter O, bend the ball accurately and powerfully, utilizing the outside of the strong foot to cut diagonally across, under, and through the nearest side of the ball.
To earn the letter P, chip the ball accurately and deftly with the strong foot. To do so, stab the ball under the nearest side of the ball.
To earn the letter G, volley an aerial ball accurately and powerfully with the upper part of the strong foot.
To earn the letter U, half-volley an aerial ball accurately and powerfully. A half-volley is struck immediately after the ball bounces.
To earn the letter N, volley a ball from the side (e.g., a cross) accurately and powerfully with the top of the foot. This is achieved by leaning away from the ball and striking through the ball’s mid-line.
ACE TOPGUN SHOOTING PROGRAM KEY CRITERIA FOR EARNING A PASSING GRADE:
To receive the ACE TOPGUN award, a player must demonstrate technical proficiency in each skill.
The crowning glory is receiving the “LEGEND” part of the award. To earn this honor, players must complete each test stage without making a significant error as follows:
L = Perform the 1st three shots with only one receiving touch between each.
E = Perform the 2nd three shots with only one receiving touch between each.
G = Perform the last three shots with only one receiving touch between each.
E = Perform the 1st four shots with only one receiving touch between each.
N = Perform the last five shots with only one receiving touch between each.
D = Perform all nine shots with only one receiving touch between each.
Note: The ball must be in constant motion during any “LEGEND” award category. If it comes to a complete stop at any point during testing, the examinee must start that letter segment over.
Don’t forget to encourage your players to practice at home:
For shooting practice at home, it is recommended that players find a wall to shoot at or purchase a rebound net, because a ball that rebounds after each shot reduces the time lost to ball retrieval and dramatically shortens the learning curve. Your players may have a basement or outside wall at their house that will work. Or maybe they can shoot against the garage door with a tennis ball. Failing that, there’s usually a decent rebound wall at the local park or school. Another option is to use one of the several good soccer rebounding nets available online.