Special Olympics Football Coaches Quick Start Guide Shooting Approaches ball from side Places non-kicking foot by side of ball Controls ball before shooting Tackling Leans upper body into front-block tackle Maintains good balance with outstretched leg in side-block tackle Tracks and closes down on opponents dribbling the ball Knows when to use appropriate tackle technique Moves quickly to close distance to opponent with ball Focuses attention on ball, not opponent’s body Heading Attempts to head the ball Looks at ball as it comes toward the head Rocks onto back foot before ball arrives Attacks through ball for power Directs ball in correct, general direction Directs ball with accuracy Heads ball while standing Heads ball while jumping Goalkeeping Maintains concentration when ball is away from the goal Gets behind the line of the ball Scoops up low balls with legs straight and together Goes down on one knee and scoops up low balls Secures high ball with both hands working together as one unit Dives on side of body Distributes the ball, using appropriate technique Football Quick Start Guide – September 2004 15