The Bent or (Swerved) Pass
| Having the ability to bend an intended pass is essential in all players passing armory. The Bent Pass causes the ball to bend in its flight, thus giving the advantage of being able to bend the ball around an opponent. The Bent Pass may also be used over long distances and is therefore a valuable technique for shooting, as a goalkeeper must constantly adjust his position to get behind the path of the ball. |
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| Practice |
| From the "base-line" try to swerve the ball around the outside of the cone which substitutes as a defender. Bend the ball with good pace against the wall. Control the rebound, then turn to bend the ball around the other cone. Use both the outside and inside of the foot for all round versatility. |
| What You Need to Know |
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Approach the ball at a slight angle. This will assist the natural swinging motion of the kicking leg.
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The head should be kept steady and eyes fixed firmly on the ball.
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Plant the non-kicking foot approximately 10 inches away to the side of the ball.
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Contact with the kicking foot is made with the instep.
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The point of contact on the ball should be slightly below the horizontal mid-line and to the side of the ball.
If contact is made too close to the center of the ball, then the ball will not spin. Too little contact on the
ball will result in the ball being sliced.
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Unlike other passes, the follow through of the kicking foot travels away from the direction of the ball.
- The above mechanics also apply to bending the ball with the outside of the foot.
