Shooting a soccer ball powerfully and accurately is an important skill for all soccer players. The best way to develop proper technique is to practice diligently. A good shot is made by assessing the situation on the field, and setting the non-kicking foot and pushing the foot forward firmly. Be a good shooter and score as many goals as possible!
Step
Method 1 of 3: Kicking the Ball
Step 1. Look before kicking the ball
Before shooting, glance at the field in front of you. Focus as much as possible on the target point of the shot. Pay attention to where other players are, including your defenders, goalkeepers and teammates. Use this information to adjust your shot or turn it into a pass to a better-positioned friend.
It's not uncommon for you to see professional players shooting without even looking. Because they already have a lot of playing experience, they can feel the position of the players on the field. This often happens when near the goal because looking at the field will delay the shot a bit
Step 2. Keep your eyes on the ball
Look back down and keep looking at the ball until it is kicked. Thus, your shot can be more powerful and accurate.
Step 3. Run towards the ball at a regular pace
Keep your stride the same length when running. Try not to step too far forward or run short because it will disrupt the balance of the body.
When kicking a stationary ball, keep your distance so that you can reach the ball in just 3-4 steps
Step 4. Place your non-kicking foot next to the ball
The position you set your foot determines the direction of the ball shot. Place your foot next to the ball, about shoulder width away from the other foot. A good medium range should be ideal for shooting. Keep the tips of your toes pointed straight at the target.
Keeping your feet further away from the ball will help if you need to bounce a shot, for example when shooting over an opponent's posse
Step 5. Swing the kicking leg as far back as possible
The further the legs are brought back, the stronger the shot will be. Bend your knees and keep your fingertips pointing straight down. In a perfect kicking position, your feet should look like they're forming a "V."
Stretch your legs as often as possible to increase their flexibility
Step 6. Hold your ankle so it doesn't move
This is also called an ankle lock. The soles of the feet should still be pointing down, straight and firm. The ankle should not wobble when kicking the ball. Any movement in the ankle will weaken the shot.
Step 7. Stand tall while shooting
Keeping it in a neutral position allows you maximum control of the ball's flight path. Lean forward slightly if it feels more natural, but don't bend over. Instead, focus on facing the goal.
If the ball is frequently hovering over the net, you may be leaning too far back. If your shot is lower than desired, chances are you're leaning forward too much
Step 8. Aim for the ball's midpoint
Select the point where the foot will touch the ball. Often, this point is the part of the ball closest to you. Kicking the ball in the middle allows you to control your shot while kicking as hard as you can.
- To further increase the shot in the air, kick it slightly below the center of the ball.
- To make a banana kick, aim to the left or right of the ball's midpoint. Kicking to the left of the midpoint will make the ball curve to the right, whereas if kicked to the right, the ball will curve to the left.
Step 9. Hit the ball with the shoelaces to make it stronger
Swing your foot forward, and kick the ball with the top of your foot for a powerful but accurate shot. This is a shot that will need to be made frequently in the match.
If you want to bend the path of the shot further, kick the ball with the side of your toes
Step 10. Kick the ball with the sole of the foot for more accuracy
As you approach the ball, turn your foot to the side. Kick the ball with the inside of the foot. The shots won't be very strong, but the accuracy will be high, which is often necessary when close to goal or defenders don't give much space.
Step 11. Follow up with the kicking foot
After hitting the ball, don't stop moving your feet. Bring the kicking foot to medium height. Take a step, then put your feet on the ground. Poor follow-up can make the shot miss the target or fly off target.
To make the ball slide higher, lift your foot higher in the air during the follow-up motion
Method 2 of 3: Shooting While Running
Step 1. Push the ball in front of you
To be able to shoot well, the ball should not be too close to the body. Touch the ball up to 1-2 steps in front of you with the kicking foot. Push right in front of you to prepare for a regular straight kick. Move slightly to the side if you want to bend or change the angle of the shot.
- Step a moderate distance towards the ball. The best shots happen when you don't slow down or change your pace too much when you get to the ball.
- To practice it, start by approaching the ball slowly at a regular pace. Increase your speed when you feel more comfortable.
Step 2. Place your feet in front of the ball
Footprints as in a regular shot, only this time the ball is rolling. If you place your foot directly next to the ball, it will roll past your feet. If done perfectly, the ball will be right next to the foot when kicked.
Don't forget, the toes that hit the ground must go towards the goal
Step 3. Kick the ball as usual
Use the same approach as previously learned to kick the ball. Pull your foot back, lock your ankle, and follow up with your kick. Before long, you'll be able to shoot while running, just as well as when the ball isn't moving!
Method 3 of 3: Selecting a Shooting Target
Step 1. Shoot at a distance that is comfortable for you
Look at the field to see where you are with the ball. Recall your shooting practice. If your firepower is still lacking, shooting from a distance will not be effective. You will find it easier to score if you are closer to the goal.
Practice shooting from various distances and angles to prepare yourself for any opportunities that may occur during the game
Step 2. Pay attention to the position of the goalkeeper
The goalkeeper/goalkeeper can stand closer to one of the goal posts leaving the other side wide open. Goalkeepers may also try to trick you, by standing to one side and then leaning over or starting to run before you have a chance to shoot. Surprise the opposing goalkeeper by shooting to the opposite side!
Step 3. Shoot across the goalkeeper
Usually, goals are easier to get if you shoot towards the other side of the goal. If you're on the right, shoot to the left of the goal. The goalkeeper will usually be closer to you and will have to move further to reach the ball.
However, this situation is not always your best option. If you're very close to one side of the goal, someone is on the other side, or an opposing defender is approaching, you may not be able to aim to the other side of the goal
Step 4. Aim for the corner or side of the goal
Usually, the goalkeeper stands in the middle of the goal so that both sides of the goal are wide open. Force the goalkeeper to fly to save the goal from your shot, if possible. Take advantage of the side of the goal, which is a big target when you shoot from the side of the field.
Although players like to aim for the top corner of the goal, goals are easier to score from the bottom corner
Step 5. Shoot up or down the goalkeeper
Shooting sideways will force the goalkeeper to stick his body out to save the goal. Goalkeepers can jump sideways easily, but it's more difficult to stretch up or down. Even the best goalkeepers in the world can't always reach the corner.
- The location of your shooting point will depend on the situation, but avoid aiming for medium heights, if possible.
- Shooting low is also ideal if there are a lot of opposing defenders in front of you. Your shot could hit your opponent's leg, changing direction and outwitting the goalkeeper.
Step 6. Kick the ball into the air when the defender is in front of you
Even if you can't push the ball past your opponent to get a better angle, you can still shoot. Kick the ball slightly below its center point. The shot will be slightly higher so that it passes the opposing defender or overconfident goalkeeper and advances away from the goal.
Tips
- A great way to improve your technique is to record yourself kicking the ball. Watch this recorded film and see what needs to be improved.
- Practice shooting at various locations within the field, especially in the final third of the field, to perfect your shooting technique.
