The Benefits of Being Two-Footed as a Soccer Player
It’s no secret that most soccer players have a preferred foot when it comes to shooting, passing, and even dribbling. Most soccer players in the world are naturally right-footed and there is a small percentage of players that are naturally left-footed.
But while some players succeed with limited use of their non-dominant foot, they should be encouraged to develop it and become proficient with both feet. For example Lionel Messi is so good with his left foot that he doesn’t even have to use his right foot that much, although he can.
Then there are other players like Santi Cazorla, Pela, and Zidane who were known for being exceptional with both feet. Modern-day players who are often favorites to win awards or lead their teams to trophies have the ability to play with both feet.
Players with this ability are better positioned to lift up their entire team because becoming ambidextrous opens up a completely different element to your game. Think about it, if you are comfortable doing whatever you want with either foot you can save yourself seconds during a match and come up with new creative solutions to problems, instead of always having to rely on your dominant foot.
Let’s explore some of the benefits of soccer players becoming efficient with both feet.
Versatility
It should be obvious that being able to pass, shoot, and dribble with both feet makes a soccer player more versatile. Within the flow of a game, they have more options whenever they get the ball because they are comfortable using either foot to make a pass or take a shot.
A player also gains positional versatility by being able to use both feet. For example, a fullback who isn’t comfortable with their left foot will only be able to play right fullback. However, a player who is comfortable with both feet can play either right back or left back.
That player will have more opportunities to be on the field and will be better able to help their team than a player who is limited because they don’t feel comfortable using both feet.
Controlling the Ball
In the modern game, maintaining possession of the ball is crucial. Players need to be able to maintain control of the ball when they have it at their feet and not turn it over to the opposing team.
This becomes much easier for players who are proficient with both feet. With two good feet, players are more likely to keep the ball from an oncoming defender.
Being able to use both feet can also open up passing angles, allowing players to find a teammate and make a safe pass so that their team maintains possession of the ball. Often, the best pass requires a player to use their weaker foot.
But if a player isn’t comfortable with their weaker foot, they may not be able to make the right pass or dribble safely, putting them at greater risk of losing the ball.
Become Unpredictable
A player who is proficient with both feet will always be less predictable than a player with one good side. If it’s clear a certain player can only use their right foot, opposing players will know that they’re always going to favor their strong side.
They can then position themselves to force that player to use their weaker foot. But for a player who is proficient with both feet, defenders won’t have this option. Instead, the player who can comfortably use both feet will be in a position of power.
They will be able to dribble in any direction, take a shot with either foot, or make a pass with either foot. It’s harder for defenders to predict what a two-footed player will do, putting them in an advantageous position over opposing players that players with just one good foot rarely achieve.
Adapt to Situations
In addition to being less predictable, two-footed players can more easily adapt to situations in soccer. For instance, if they don’t receive a perfect pass, they can better control the ball because they are comfortable using either foot to trap it.
If they get backed into a corner, they can use either foot to pass their way out of it. Players with only one good foot often have limited options when playing in tight spaces because they either refuse to use their weaker foot or attempt to use their weaker foot leads to a mistake.
Meanwhile, it’s easier for two-footed players to adapt and respond to challenging situations on the field.
Play Faster
Lastly, being proficient with both feet allows players to be quicker with their decision-making and play faster. They don’t have to think about getting the ball to their stronger foot. Instead, they allow their instincts to take over.
Playing faster isn’t always about being faster; it’s about being composed and coordinated enough to make the right decisions consistently under pressure. This is one area where two-footed players have a clear advantage over players who have an obvious weakness on one side.
Summary
To summarize, becoming both footed as a soccer player, no matter what level you are in your journey, from youth to professional, is a great skill to develop because it has so many benefits which I discussed in this post. If you are wondering how you can becoming two-footed checkout the next section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is it called when a soccer player can use both feet?
The term used to refer to someone who can use both feet is “two-footed” or “ambidextrous.”
How can you become a more two footed player?
To start becoming a more two footed player you can use the following tips:
- Challenge yourself to use your non-dominant foot more during:
- Team training
- Pickup games
- Small sided games
- Spend time training barefoot and practice with both feet
- Wear barefoot shoes and spent a lot of time barefoot to improve foot strengthen and function
- Also try out these fascia training exercises to improve athleticism, which will lead to better coordination and control of the ball
Why should soccer bettors consider a player’s ability to use both feet?
Players who are proficient with both feet have a distinct advantage, as they are more versatile and can adapt to different game scenarios. This makes them more likely to score or assist. For soccer bettors, it’s also a good idea to explore sportsbooks with free bet offers, which can give bettors a leg up. Similarly, players who can play well with both feet can get a leg up on their competition.
