Welcome back, Squawka Talker listeners.
In this special episode, Jake Entwistle is joined by Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT (https://twitter.com/3cbPerformance) of 3CB Performance (https://www.3cbperformance.com/) to breakdown the free-kick technique of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from a biomechanics perspective.
How do their techniques differ? Why is Cristiano Ronaldo struggling to score? From the run-up to ball-striking and what happens next, every step and every muscle is discussed.
If you enjoyed the audio description, then be sure to subscribe to Raj's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTWTrHvBDXT4PFiZI6XV95w?app=desktop) (3CB Performance) for some visual explanations.
TIMESTAMPS FOR START OF KEY TOPICS
00:04:20 | Is there a reason for Cristiano Ronaldo's dramatic run-up?
"Ronaldo’s routine allows muscle memory to take over and his technique relies on the ‘recoil effect’ to generate shot power"
00:13:55 | Why Lionel Messi 'sprains' his ankle when taking free-kicks
“That's what makes Messi incredible...he's an artist”
00:20:30 | Why makes Messi the current free-kick king?
00:27:23 | How to do a knuckleball free-kick and why do footballers use it?
00:35:55 | Why do Bruno Fernandes and Jorginho use the hop, skip, jump, score penalty-taking technique?
00:44:05 | Explaining Messi's unique scoop technique and Happy Gilmore hip artistry
"That's the most mobile position for the hip in a human body!"
00:49:46 | Why can't Cristiano Ronaldo score free-kicks right now?
00:56:40 | Favourite Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo free-kicks
"It might be the best free-kick I've ever seen... it really summed up what Messi has become."
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