How to Fix Your Soccer Shot
Soccer is a simple game. To win, you kick the ball into the opponent's net while kicking it away from your own net. But, like many apparently simple things, perfecting the subtle skills required to effectively kick a soccer ball can take years. Practice the following penalty shot drill and it will help your overall game.
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Instructions
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1
Place a soccer ball on the penalty line, in front of the goal. Your objective is to hit a strong, accurate shot into the net. Take three big steps back from the ball. Take one step to the side. A right-footed kicker should step to the left. A left-footed kicker should step to the right.
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2
Approach the ball by taking your first step with your kicking foot. On your third step, your nonkicking foot should be even with the ball and about 6 inches (15 cm) to the side. The toes of this foot should point at your intended target. Keep both knees bent and your arms wide for balance. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until these actions become automatic.
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3
Bring your kicking foot smoothly forward and strike the middle of the ball with the inside edge of your foot. Your knee should be directly over the ball when your foot strikes it. Swing your leg and foot through the ball so that your foot ends up pointing at the target. Lock your ankle in place when striking the ball to get the best power. Your shot should skim the ground and bury itself in the back of the net.
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4
When you have mastered steps 1 through 3, you can modify your shot for more power. Strike the middle of the ball with the top of your foot by pointing your toe down and holding your ankle locked in this position as you swing through the ball. Again, follow through so that your foot points toward the target. As you get better at this shot, your planted foot should move slightly back and farther to the side of the ball.
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5
Develop additional power by initiating the kick with your hips and accelerating your foot with your knee. Accuracy is more important than power, so work on this step slowly.
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Tips & Warnings
Modify your shot further by practicing lofted shots and ground shots. Planting your nonshooting foot farther back will give the ball height. Planting your nonshooting foot directly beside the ball will force it along the ground.
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Comments
View all 17 Comments-
Mario Araujo
Nov 29, 2010
Technique is important in soccer or football. However, there is more to shooting than kicking the ball. You must look where you are shooting. I know this sounds simple but players must be coached to constantly look at where they are shooting. Many players will shoot without looking and miss their marks 90% of the time. Get used to raising your head and looking before you shoot. It takes a second longer but that second can make difference. You can still look at the ball but look where the ball is going first then look at the ball to shoot it. -
raulsalas
May 17, 2007
When shooting a penalty, be very careful where you put your non-kicking foot, because for goal-keepers, this can be an indication as to where you will kick the ball. Also, avoid staring at to where you will direct the ball, again this will give the goal-keeper to dive to that side. Although, you can use this to your advantage and trick your oponent.
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raulsalas
May 17, 2007
When shooting a penalty, be very careful where you put your non-kicking foot, because for goal-keepers, this can be an indication as to where you will kick the ball. Also, avoid staring at to where you will direct the ball, again this will give the goal-keeper to dive to that side. Although, you can use this to your advantage and trick your oponent.
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Aug 08, 2006
A lot of attention was given to the foot that strikes the ball. But what about the other foot? The "plant" foot? When you go to strike the ball place your plant foot a tad behind the ball (assuming the ball is stationary) pointing your toes in the general direction you plan to place your shot. By placing your plant foot slightly behind and to the side of the ball, this will allow your hips to become a greater role in your stroke increasing the strength and velocity of your shot. After you strike the ball, follow through with the striking foot and allow your striking leg to propel yourself into a jump. Land on your striking foot and you have the perfect strike. This is called "getting off your plant foot." People who shoot and never get off their plant foot will never have the shear power of a player that gets off their plant foot.
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Aug 08, 2006
Never hit the ball with your shin, it will bounce forward allowing the opponent to get it. Try to snap your foot upward to get it hip height and move on. It is also possible to step back or do a foot pass; forward for a chest pass or even closer for a head.
