Have you noticed that this year...

[perfectionist]

...numerous extremely one sided players are now kicking on their non-preferred. A few examples are Seb Ross, Sam Gilbert, Jimmy Webster and Luke Dunstan. It is true that most of these kicks have dropped short or not exactly gone where they were intended, but it does signal an awareness at the club that if a player always goes to his preferred, he can be cornered. And who knows, with enough practice, and just as important, enough analysis of individual kicking styles through video and the setting of individual remedial programs, the players just might develop some proficiency.

At the moment, the same is not true of the ability to handball both hands. If anyone doesn't understand the importance of such a skill, I suggest they get a tape of Robert Harvey. Like Sam Mitchell on his left foot, Robert became "a natural" left hand pass over the years despite starting off as a right hander. It was something his opponents never quite got the hang of.

[Zed]

Is this a trend also at other clubs?

[Jacks Back]

Seriously in this day and age it should be a prerequisite.

[SaintJohn1956]

Apparently it is at the Bulldogs.

[longtimesaint]

...numerous extremely one sided players are now kicking on their non-preferred. A few examples are Seb Ross, Sam Gilbert, Jimmy Webster and Luke Dunstan. It is true that most of these kicks have dropped short or not exactly gone where they were intended, but it does signal an awareness at the club that if a player always goes to his preferred, he can be cornered. And who knows, with enough practice, and just as important, enough analysis of individual kicking styles through video and the setting of individual remedial programs, the players just might develop some proficiency.

At the moment, the same is not true of the ability to handball both hands. If anyone doesn't understand the importance of such a skill, I suggest they get a tape of Robert Harvey. Like Sam Mitchell on his left foot, Robert became "a natural" left hand pass over the years despite starting off as a right hander. It was something his opponents never quite got the hang of.

I have noticed Jack Billings kicking on his right foot this year which I had not seen previously.
It is important in tight situations and also kicking for goal.

[bigcarl]

. If anyone doesn't understand the importance of such a skill, I suggest they get a tape of Robert Harvey. Like Sam Mitchell on his left foot, Robert became "a natural" left hand pass over the years despite starting off as a right hander. It was something his opponents never quite got the hang of.

Harvs is ambidextrous isn't he? Didn't he used to bat right handed and bowl left in cricket or vice versa. Or was he a leftie both bowling and batting? Also used to bounce the ball left handed which made him very good at wrong-footing opponents.

But your point is valid. If they work on their non-preferred side it can only make them a better player.

[BigMart]

Rob Harvey was left handed it was part of the reason he was so difficult to read, he stepped both ways.

As is Nick Riewoldt

Players are instructed to use their dominant foot as often as possible
Ball security is paramount

[matrix]

Crap
Gilbert couldnt kick on his right for 20 meters lol

[bigcarl]

Crap
Gilbert couldnt kick on his right for 20 meters lol

He can't kick on his left so what has he got to lose? Valuable player nevertheless

[mambo2706]

Rob Harvey was left handed it was part of the reason he was so difficult to read, he stepped both ways.

As is Nick Riewoldt

Players are instructed to use their dominant foot as often as possible
Ball security is paramount

I think Nicky Winmar was left handed as well. And I think Nicky Dal is right handed.

[mambo2706]

Rob Harvey was left handed it was part of the reason he was so difficult to read, he stepped both ways.

As is Nick Riewoldt

Players are instructed to use their dominant foot as often as possible
Ball security is paramount

I think Nicky Winmar was left handed as well. And I think Nicky Dal is right handed.