The days are getting shorter, the evenings cooler, and on many pitches, water is pooling after a rain shower. For football players, this means: conditions are changing, and with them, the behaviour of the ball. Those who adapt their technique will have a clear advantage in autumn.
What wet grass does to the ball
On a wet surface, the ball slides faster and bounces lower. Shots that bounce in front of the goalkeeper suddenly become dangerous because they spray off unpredictably. For you as a shooter, this means: low shots are especially rewarding. A hard, placed ball just above the grass is often more dangerous in wet conditions than a high shot.
The wet ball and the volley
A wet ball is slipperier. When taking a volley, it can therefore slide off your foot more easily if the contact point isn't perfect. This makes a firm ankle and clean contact with the instep even more important. A quick tip: take a little pace off the shot in wet weather and focus on precision. A well-placed ball is worth more than a hard shot that misses the goal.
The right footwear
On soft, wet grass, boots with longer studs, known as SG boots, offer more traction. On artificial turf, however, short studs are the better choice, because long studs can create too much grip there. A stable standing leg is half the battle when shooting. If you slip, you cannot hit the ball cleanly.
Warming up becomes more important
In cool temperatures, muscles and tendons take longer to reach operating temperature. Plan a few extra minutes for warming up in the autumn. Quick, explosive movements like a volley or a sprint put significant strain on the thigh muscles. A cold muscle is more susceptible to strains.
- Light jogging with changes of direction
- Dynamic stretching, for example, leg swings forward and to the side
- Short passes first, then longer ones
- Light shots first, then more powerful ones
Cold temperatures change air pressure
What many don't know: at low temperatures, the pressure inside the ball drops. A ball that was perfectly inflated in a warm equipment room can feel noticeably softer after half an hour outside. Therefore, check the pressure shortly before training and pump it up if necessary.
Visibility and ball colour
As it gets dark earlier, many teams train under floodlights. A coloured ball, such as yellow or orange, is easier to see, especially when there are leaves on the pitch or fog sets in. Good visibility is the foundation for any precise timing.
Short technique sessions instead of long ones
In autumn, the motivation to stay outside for long is often lower. That's not a problem: for technique in particular, short, focused sessions are ideal. Ten to fifteen minutes of targeted volley training before or after team training achieve more than an hour without a clear goal.
With the VOLLEYCHAMP®, this is particularly efficient. The ball stays stable at the desired height, even on wet grass, and you don't have to wait for a passer. The device is weather-resistant, and after training, you can simply pack it back into your drawstring bag.
Conclusion
Autumn is not a time to take a break, but an opportunity. Those who learn to finish cleanly even in rain and cold will be all the stronger in the spring. And let's be honest: a volley that hits the back of the net in pouring rain feels twice as good.
