1. Winging It
A soccer left wing can be a midfielder, a forward or both depending on the team's formation. Generally, the term "left wing" refers to any offensive player who plays on the left side of the field. Because the term is so general, more specific names are typically used. For example, a midfielder is called the left midfielder or left halfback if the team plays with three midfielders. If the team uses a formation that includes four midfielders, then that player is referred to as either the left-outside midfielder or left-outside halfback. When referring to a forward, the player is called either the left forward or left striker.
2. Where the Action Is
Left wings tend to be involved in more defensive plays than their right wing counterparts. This occurs especially with less experienced teams because of the tendency to play the ball up the right side of the field when attacking. Most players are right-footed so left wings need to be solid defensive players, especially the midfielders. Left wings who are right-footed are at a disadvantage when going up against a right-footed opponent because of their position on the field. It can be difficult to pass or shoot the ball with the weaker foot. Right-footed left wings are well advised to spend time strengthening their left foot.
3. The Left Foot Advantage
Teams that can play the ball equally well on both sides of the field have an edge. If a team has a left-footed player, it's wise to put him or her in the left wing position. Goalies become accustomed to balls being playing into the 18-yard box from the right side of the field, and a good left cross could create a valuable scoring opportunity. Similarly, many goalies aren't prepared for a shot to be fired off a left foot.
4. For the Righty Left Wing
Although a right-footed left wing might not feel as comfortable as he or she would on the right side of the field, it's possible to pass and shoot the ball with the right foot from the left side. When crossing the ball, the right-footed left wing should carry the ball deep into the opposing team's corner near the end line. By turning his or her back to the end line and facing the field, the left wing can cross the ball with the right foot. When shooting the ball, a right-footed left wing should try to shoot from the center of the field whenever possible.
5. Strengthen the Weak
With a little bit of work, soccer players can become equally efficient with both feet. Use a wall to pass the ball to yourself and limit yourself to using your weaker foot. As it becomes more natural, increase the strength of your pass and work on accuracy. Spend time each practice taking shots and crossing the ball with your weaker foot.
A soccer left wing can be a midfielder, a forward or both depending on the team's formation. Generally, the term "left wing" refers to any offensive player who plays on the left side of the field. Because the term is so general, more specific names are typically used. For example, a midfielder is called the left midfielder or left halfback if the team plays with three midfielders. If the team uses a formation that includes four midfielders, then that player is referred to as either the left-outside midfielder or left-outside halfback. When referring to a forward, the player is called either the left forward or left striker.
2. Where the Action Is
Left wings tend to be involved in more defensive plays than their right wing counterparts. This occurs especially with less experienced teams because of the tendency to play the ball up the right side of the field when attacking. Most players are right-footed so left wings need to be solid defensive players, especially the midfielders. Left wings who are right-footed are at a disadvantage when going up against a right-footed opponent because of their position on the field. It can be difficult to pass or shoot the ball with the weaker foot. Right-footed left wings are well advised to spend time strengthening their left foot.
3. The Left Foot Advantage
Teams that can play the ball equally well on both sides of the field have an edge. If a team has a left-footed player, it's wise to put him or her in the left wing position. Goalies become accustomed to balls being playing into the 18-yard box from the right side of the field, and a good left cross could create a valuable scoring opportunity. Similarly, many goalies aren't prepared for a shot to be fired off a left foot.
4. For the Righty Left Wing
Although a right-footed left wing might not feel as comfortable as he or she would on the right side of the field, it's possible to pass and shoot the ball with the right foot from the left side. When crossing the ball, the right-footed left wing should carry the ball deep into the opposing team's corner near the end line. By turning his or her back to the end line and facing the field, the left wing can cross the ball with the right foot. When shooting the ball, a right-footed left wing should try to shoot from the center of the field whenever possible.
5. Strengthen the Weak
With a little bit of work, soccer players can become equally efficient with both feet. Use a wall to pass the ball to yourself and limit yourself to using your weaker foot. As it becomes more natural, increase the strength of your pass and work on accuracy. Spend time each practice taking shots and crossing the ball with your weaker foot.
