Latrell Mitchell’s amazing work ethic toward goalkicking training
In a winner-take-all game, one bad kick can swing the result. That’s why Latrell Mitchell spends four extra hours practising his goalkicking every week of the season.
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In front, left-side, right-side, sideline, short-range, long-range, in sun, wind and rain, dry field, heavy ground. One after the other.
Sydney Roosters centre Latrell Mitchell has revealed how he kicks a whopping 100 practice shots at goal each week, aware it may decide Sunday’s NRL grand final against Canberra.
Left-footed Mitchell finds time before training at Moore Park or stays around post-session to pilot home 100 kicks every week of the footy season.
That’s around four hours a week in front of the sticks.
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And the additional work is helping — Mitchell has kicked 95 goals from 125 attempts for a 76 per cent strike rate this season.
Mitchell knows one missed kick in the decider against the Raiders could cost his side dearly.
“I just go non-stop. I kick about 20 each day we train and we train five days a week. I do it for technique and to get the cobwebs off,” Mitchell told The Daily Telegraph.
“When you train, things happen. You’ve got to put in the work to get the accolades.
“For me, if I know I am working and have my technique right, there is a slim chance of me missing. I just have to keep working hard and keep focusing on my kicking.”
Mitchell admitted goalkicking carried added and considerable responsibility.
“It’s hard — there is a lot of pressure, especially in big games like this,” Mitchell said. “Last week (against Melbourne), I kicked one that was really important.
“Those moments, they repay you for all the work you put in. I will kick five from the middle at practice, then to the side, everywhere, just make sure I am kicking from good spots.”
Roosters teammate Brett Morris praised Mitchell’s kicking ethos.
“He certainly puts the work in,” Morris said. “Latrell really works hard on his craft.
“A goalkicker is so important. If you’re getting those tries, you need to be able to convert them.
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“We have seen some sides this year that scored more tries than the opposition but didn’t kick goals and lost the game.
“It’s a big part of the game and in big games, it can be crucial. Latrell will do his practice this week and he has the full faith of all the players.”
Mitchell scored 19 tries on top of his 95 goals this season to record 267 points — the most of any player.
He will claim a Dally M statue tonight for his achievement.
At the Sydney Cricket Ground this year, Mitchell has scored 13 tries and landed 53 goals for a personal tally of 158 points.
Originally published as Latrell Mitchell’s amazing work ethic toward goalkicking training