Goal kicking training overhaul

[shrodes]

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/st-kil ... 1503489836

ST KILDA has made changes to its goal kicking program in an attempt to resurrect the club’s woeful set shot conversion rate.

Veteran defender Sam Gilbert, who is expected to be offered a deal to play on next season, said the Saints have adjusted their goal kicking program already this season to try and fix the problem.

He said the players had knuckled down on their individual techniques and different angles to try and boost their accuracy this year.

“There has been changes to the kicking program as the season has gone on to be more specific, more concentrated on different angles and we have put targets up behind the goals so we can aim for certain things,” Gilbert said on Triple M.

Hopefully we can fix the problem for next year

[Jacks Back]

Too little, too late

[mr six o'clock]

Youda thunk dey woulda thunk of dis at da start of da year !

[Enrico_Misso]

Getting paid $300k+
Don't see why they can't practice a couple of hours a day esp. Within 40 metres.

[ausfatcat]

Getting paid $300k+
Don't see why they can't practice a couple of hours a day esp. Within 40 metres.

I think it is more so about the technioque not practise

[Enrico_Misso]

Many elite golfers have highly unconventional swings but they still hit the ball straight.

They do this because of practice and muscle memory.
Basically they totally master their swing by massive repetition and are then able to reproduce it during tournaments.

Can't see why that wouldn't apply to goalkicking.

[longtimesaint]

I think the main issue on goal kicking is to be able to execute when fatigued
According to Jack B his practice at training is accurate but in a match he is usually kicking for goal when fatigued.

[GregPackhamsHeadband]

If McGlynn is responsible for our goal kicking program, I think it's fair to suggest we might be better off looking for alternatives. This is the most catastrophic fail of the season. It has literally cost us a finals' berth.

[bigcarl]

I think the main issue on goal kicking is to be able to execute when fatigued
According to Jack B his practice at training is accurate but in a match he is usually kicking for goal when fatigued.

Fatigue would be a factor, but pressure is a bigger one.

There's no consequence when you miss a sitter at training. No one is even watching.

On match day you let down the entire club if you miss ... and the whole club is watching.

The pressure would be intensified on the ones you are expected to kick.

Thing is, bad technique invariably breaks down under pressure. So they need to pressure-proof their kicking with a technique that stands up under pressure.

Maybe at training they take their set shots one at a time and the others stop to watch. No one is allowed to make a sound as they hang on in nervous anticipation.

That would - to a degree - simulate the embarrassment of missing an easy one on match day.

[prwilkinson]

If McGlynn is responsible for our goal kicking program, I think it's fair to suggest we might be better off looking for alternatives. This is the most catastrophic fail of the season. It has literally cost us a finals' berth.

Yeah. It's been absolutely shocking. Should be in the 8.

[sunsaint]

Does no one else think it ironic that this announcement is coming from Gilbert?

[GregPackhamsHeadband]

Does no one else think it ironic that this announcement is coming from Gilbert?

As much as I love Gilbo, I couldn't help thinking the same, sunsaint. For one horrible moment, I thought Sam had been put in charge of the kicking improvement program. Then again, those who can't do, teach.

[bigcarl]

Does no one else think it ironic that this announcement is coming from Gilbert?

Yes. But he'd be a better shot at goal than a lot of others statistically, despite appearances.

[GregPackhamsHeadband]

Despite appearances, Gilbo's not a bad kick, technique wise. His failures are more to do with decision making and attentional awareness.

[whiskers3614]

Pity they didn't think of this earlier in the year!

[ace]

Many elite golfers have highly unconventional swings but they still hit the ball straight.

They do this because of practice and muscle memory.
Basically they totally master their swing by massive repetition and are then able to reproduce it during tournaments.

Can't see why that wouldn't apply to goalkicking.

The difference with golf is those golfers who practice bad swing techniques never make it.
We only ever see those whose swing technique works.
But in AFL kicking for goal is only part of the requirements.

[ace]

Many elite golfers have highly unconventional swings but they still hit the ball straight.

They do this because of practice and muscle memory.
Basically they totally master their swing by massive repetition and are then able to reproduce it during tournaments.

Can't see why that wouldn't apply to goalkicking.

The difference with golf is those golfers who practice bad swing techniques never make it.
We only ever see those whose swing technique works.
But in AFL kicking for goal is only part of the requirements.

[St Lenny]

I think the main issue on goal kicking is to be able to execute when fatigued
According to Jack B his practice at training is accurate but in a match he is usually kicking for goal when fatigued.

Well we mustn't be fit enough. Because our first quarters are generally shocking.

[supersaints]

Many elite golfers have highly unconventional swings but they still hit the ball straight.

They do this because of practice and muscle memory.
Basically they totally master their swing by massive repetition and are then able to reproduce it during tournaments.

Can't see why that wouldn't apply to goalkicking.

The difference with golf is those golfers who practice bad swing techniques never make it.
We only ever see those whose swing technique works.
But in AFL kicking for goal is only part of the requirements.

There a few swings on tour that don't look good but they are all exceptionally repetitive ala Jim Furyk, good enough to win majors but it's the exception rather than the rule.

For every swing flaw there at least one or more compensations required to end up back on plane and square at impact. That all being said the great differences in the worlds best golfers is purely the mental aspect of the game. They all have the ability to win

Its being a bit nit picky, ... muscles don't have memory it's purely a function of your right ( intuitive) side of the brain that sends the necessary signals the muscles to do what's required when triggered.

It's actually the thinking or (left side of the the brain) that gets in the way . For example That's why we don't have to re teach ourselves to eat with a fork at every meal or catch a ball because our left brain knows how to do it. It's totally intuitive

In golf you learn new swing techniques by using your right brain to learn consciously , only when it becomes ingrained does it become your new "natural" swing. Then ( hopefully you do what's required without thinking about it).

It will take a lot of hard repetition work, agree totally it would be exactly the same in goal kicking or any other sport.
should have been picked up a lot earlier, probably toward the end of last season. But it's our major issue at present.

[sunsaint]

So it's lobotomys all round then?

[older saint]

Like shooting free throws, easy to do when rested but how often does that happen, never! Need to part way through drill have players suddenly stop given a ball and must have a set shot, when fatigued and then straight back to drill . This will tighten up techniques. If a spud like Caboult can improve technique then anyone can. as predicted mid season this skill and this skill alone has cot us a top 8 finish due to lost games and lost % .

Not good enough and clearly with only 1/4 of the season left too late to acknowledge and attempt top rectify the issue.

[Rosco]

Golfers get all the time in the world, are not fatigued, have both feet firmly planted, don't have anyone running at them, in dead silence, and only have to execute on the run when their name is happy Gilmore.

[supersaints]

Golfers get all the time in the world, are not fatigued, have both feet firmly planted, don't have anyone running at them, in dead silence, and only have to execute on the run when their name is happy Gilmore.

All the more reason for mental toughness , wonder what's mentally harder kicking a goal when in a team sport or sinking a twenty footer to win or loose about 5 million dollars?

Seriously We do need to sort out , it's cost us a finals place this year

[GregPackhamsHeadband]

Many elite golfers have highly unconventional swings but they still hit the ball straight.

They do this because of practice and muscle memory.
Basically they totally master their swing by massive repetition and are then able to reproduce it during tournaments.

Can't see why that wouldn't apply to goalkicking.

The difference with golf is those golfers who practice bad swing techniques never make it.
We only ever see those whose swing technique works.
But in AFL kicking for goal is only part of the requirements.

There a few swings on tour that don't look good but they are all exceptionally repetitive ala Jim Furyk, good enough to win majors but it's the exception rather than the rule.

For every swing flaw there at least one or more compensations required to end up back on plane and square at impact. That all being said the great differences in the worlds best golfers is purely the mental aspect of the game. They all have the ability to win

Its being a bit nit picky, ... muscles don't have memory it's purely a function of your right ( intuitive) side of the brain that sends the necessary signals the muscles to do what's required when triggered.

It's actually the thinking or (left side of the the brain) that gets in the way . For example That's why we don't have to re teach ourselves to eat with a fork at every meal or catch a ball because our left brain knows how to do it. It's totally intuitive

In golf you learn new swing techniques by using your right brain to learn consciously , only when it becomes ingrained does it become your new "natural" swing. Then ( hopefully you do what's required without thinking about it).

It will take a lot of hard repetition work, agree totally it would be exactly the same in goal kicking or any other sport.
should have been picked up a lot earlier, probably toward the end of last season. But it's our major issue at present.

Super explanation, super saints. The tricky bit is determining what they are actually practising. If the technique is fundamentally flawed, it doesn't matter how long you practice for, you're actually going to get worse. With all the technology available, each player should have a complete assessment of all kicking styles (set,on the run, snap, round the body etc.) only a completed analysis will provide the mechanical answers. Then practice the modified technique.

The mental side of it is far trickier. That's where solid routine becomes essential. Think how Huddo straightened out buckets! Stewie's kicking action still looked more awkward than a new born giraffe, but the preparation and process compensated for this and turned him into a reliable kick in the end. Didn't look great, but was effective. A bit like Jim Furyk.

As neural networks strengthen through repetition, new associations also form, while negative associations can be extinguished. It's like approaching any task you fear or don't enjoy. Fear activates negative networks, causing a spike in the stress response (sympathetic nervous system over arousal) and the attendant symptoms, including loss of attentional awareness and basic co-ordination. It's why so many combat soldiers are killed while making basic errors such as incorrect reloading, something they've practised a million times. That's why the US military has spent a fortune developing a psychopath or anti fear pill. Take the over arousal out, and you will execute your skills correctly and effectively.