Koach Karl: The obvious answer is practice, practice and some more practice. If your players have learned to 'love the game' then frustration should not become an issue. Players who love to play are willing to put in hours of practice on their weaknesses. Kicking the ball long an accurate can only be achieved through dedicated lengthy practice!

Let's begin your adventure of getting them to become better players by changing the terminology. Ask them to 'pass' the ball rather than 'kick' the ball. This will set the tone for them to work on accuracy rather than just 'kicking' or in their terms blasting the ball.

Begin by giving them targets (or other players) to pass to which you know they can be successful at hitting. At future practices place these targets at longer and longer distances. Avoid making this a contest between players because they will concentrate on the end result rather than the product.

You need to get them to work on:
1. Taking a long stride into the plant foot - almost like a long jump.

2. Focusing on having the hip move the passing foot in a pendulum swing.

3. Having them land on their 'passing' foot - the foot that touches the ball is the first foot to hit the ground.

These three elements will increase the distance. These three elements put the most body inertia behind the ball. These three elements if practiced correctly will result in longer and more accurate passes.

Let me know about you and your players progress. But, remember that repetition - that is, good repetition is the key to learning this and any other technique!

I am also asking other staff coaches to respond to your question - and hopefully from this and their input you will glean enough information to help your players.

Your FUNdamental,
Koach Karl