Manly’s Jamie Lyon has called on ex-Socceroo Graham Arnold for some goalkicking advice ahead of the Sea Eagles’ do-or-die NRL semi-final against Cronulla.
Lyon goes into Friday’s match at Allianz Stadium with the worst record of any regular kicker among the six teams vying for the 2013 premiership, managing just 77 goals from 115 attempts (67 per cent) this season.
It is by far his worst percentage since joining the Sea Eagles in 2007.
Sharks fullback and goalkicker Michael Gordon boasts a success rate of 86 per cent, while South Sydney’s Adam Reynolds and Sydney Rooster James Maloney hold records at 90 per cent and 87 per cent respectively.
In attempt to iron out the kinks that have plagued his kicking game this year, Lyon reportedly had a private 45-minute session with Arnold – who coached the Central Coast to an A-League championship last season.
“He was laying the ball too flat on the tee and running too straight at the ball,” Arnold told Sportal.com.au.
“I got him to go further around the ball so his shoulders aren’t going before he kicks the ball.
“We fixed his run-up and got the ball going straighter and he started striking the ball better.
“It was a simple procedure to fix.”
Arnold said goalkicking was an important part of rugby league.
“It can win or lose you a game,” he said.
“I do watch rugby league and watch goal-kickers closely and I can tell what they’re doing wrong, whether they are hooking or kicking the ball across the face.
“I helped Benji Marshall a couple of years ago and I’m happy to help Manly out whenever I can when they need help.”
Magnus
Guest
Don't tell Craig Foster otherwise we will more "Soccer to take over Australia" headlines Arnolds team and Manly should be co-tenants at mariners stadium...
Hoy
Roar Guru
I understand your body position coming through affects how you hit the ball with your foot, but with the round ball, hitting it different ways deliberately makes it do different things in the air. I would just be very interested to see how he translates that to a rugby ball. I don't doubt it, just saying I would be genuinely interested to see him at work on a kicker.
Jukes
Guest
There was this interesting piece on Craig Johnson (Liverpool) after he retired. He went to Parramatta as they "signed him" up to be a goal kicker. He was potting them over from absolutely everywhere, he didn't miss a shot. It was on Wide World of Sports. It was one of the best April Fools jokes they ever pulled. The goal kicking was real, the signing up for Parramatta wasn't :D
SVB
Guest
A lot in how accurate you are when you kick a ball is how your body is positioned and what angle you kick the ball at. How the ball moves in the air is only an issue with a round ball from a long distance.
Hoy
Roar Guru
Interesting. I guess the run up is what it is, but you would think striking a soccer ball compared to striking a rugby ball is different. Also, the soccer ball moves differently in the air surely?