The Smithway Method
The 3-4-3 Method
3 minutes best foot, 4 minute not best yet foot: Take a 3 minute break and try anything!
7/10 Standard
Move to the next level after 7/10 clean reps are consistent at game speed. Mastery requires consistency.
The Challenge Zone
Stay in the 70–80% challenge zone. If it's too easy, speed up. If too hard, slow down.
Feedback Loops
Mistakes are feedback, not failure. Analyze and adjust.
The Smithway Player Program is built on physiological science and technical repetition. We believe that mastery isn't about complexity, but about the quality of the basics performed under stress.
16-Level Ball Striking Curriculum
PHASE 01
Foundation – No-Step Inside Foot
Learning: Pure contact mechanics.
Why: Removes balance variables to focus on surface.
Cue: "Lock the ankle."
Standard: 7/10 clean repetitions.
PHASE 02
The Pro Step – Inside Foot
Learning: Planting foot placement.
Why: Power comes from the plant.
Cue: "Point the toe to target."
Standard: 7/10 clean reps at speed.
PHASE 03
The L-Prostep Angle
Learning: Angled approach striking.
Why: Real games aren't always straight.
Cue: "Open the hips."
Standard: 7/10 clean repetitions.
PHASE 04
Natural Run-Up Integration
Learning: Fluidity in approach.
Why: Removes the "robotic" strike.
Cue: "Stay on toes."
Standard: 7/10 clean reps at speed.
PHASE 05
The Setup Touch — 45 Degree
Learning: Creating the striking window.
Why: Best angle for accuracy.
Cue: "Touch out of feet."
Standard: 7/10 clean repetitions.
PHASE 06
Straight Dribble Transition
Learning: Passing out of dribble.
Why: Key for counter-attacking.
Cue: "Head up early."
Standard: 7/10 reps at game speed.
PHASE 07
Half Volley Foundation
Learning: Striking after the bounce.
Why: Handles varying ball heights.
Cue: "Timed contact."
Standard: 7/10 clean repetitions.
PHASE 08
Angled Half Volley
Learning: Dynamic bouncing strike.
Why: Finishing from wide crosses.
Cue: "Watch ball to foot."
Standard: 7/10 clean reps.
PHASE 09
Laces — Plant Foot Mechanics
Learning: Maximum power mechanics.
Why: High-velocity long distance striking.
Cue: "Toe down, ankle hard."
Standard: 7/10 clean repetitions.
PHASE 10
Laces Pro Step
Learning: Step into power.
Why: Uses body weight for Force.
Cue: "Aggressive landing."
Standard: 7/10 clean reps at speed.
PHASE 11
Laces L-Prostep Angle
Learning: Angled laces approach.
Why: Standard shooting angle.
Cue: "Lean over ball."
Standard: 7/10 clean repetitions.
PHASE 12
Laces Natural Run-Up
Learning: Dynamic run integration.
Why: Striking while moving.
Cue: "Small steps at end."
Standard: 7/10 clean reps at speed.
PHASE 13
Moving Ball — Laces Setup
Learning: Setting up the power shot.
Why: Essential for long-range goals.
Cue: "Kick through the center."
Standard: 7/10 clean repetitions.
PHASE 14
Straight Dribble to Laces
Learning: Shooting on the run.
Why: Finishing breakaways.
Cue: "Keep head down."
Standard: 7/10 reps at game speed.
PHASE 015
Technical Finishing — Far Post Inside
Learning: Placement over power.
Why: Turning half-chances into goals.
Cue: "Eye the corner."
Standard: 7/10 clean repetitions.
PHASE 16
1v1 Finishing — Far Post Laces
Learning: Driven finishing.
Why: Beating keepers with pace.
Cue: "Follow through target."
Standard: 7/10 clean reps at speed.
How Parents Should Use This Page
- Watch one level at a time
- Do not rush through all 16 levels
- Practice in short sessions
- Focus on clean contact before power
- Encourage both feet
- Let mistakes happen
- End with a fun challenge or game
Complete the level when the player can perform 7 out of 10 clean reps at speed.
Progress Checklist
Foundation – No-Step Inside Foot
The Pro Step – Inside Foot
The L-Prostep Angle
Natural Run-Up Integration
The Setup Touch — 45 Degree
Straight Dribble Transition
Half Volley Foundation
Angled Half Volley
Laces — Plant Foot Mechanics
Laces Pro Step
Laces L-Prostep Angle
Laces Natural Run-Up
Moving Ball — Laces Setup
Straight Dribble to Laces
Technical Finishing — Far Post Inside
1v1 Finishing — Far Post Laces