Soccer Shooting - Improve the power and accuracy of your shots & become a goal scoring machine

methods of striking Kicking is a fundamental and versatile technique used for passing, shooting and clearing. Most importantly, shooting is the main way of scoring goals, therefore, it's pretty important to learn how to kick well if you’re ever going to score, especially if you're a striker or a central midfielder.

There are two variables for shooting: power and accuracy!!!
soccer shooting

In order to improve shot accuracy, you must improve eye-foot coordination and strike the ball correctly. A good way to train for accuracy is to set a target on the goal (or if you're practicing on a wall, set up a poster or something on it) and try to aim for it with each shot.
soccer shooting

As for power, you should work out your: lower back, abs, femoral biceps (back of your thigh) and quadriceps (thigh). Because it's not the legs that give most of the power in a shot, but your lower back and abs.

How to strike the ball

There are two general types of kicks based on the position of the ball, ground kicks and volleys.

Ground Shooting - There will be three main factors that you'll need to focus on when shooting a soccer ball from the ground: the position of your supporting leg, the position of your body and the way you strike the ball.

The placement of your supporting foot is just as important as your other, kicking foot. To control the height of your shot or pass, be aware of where your supporting foot is, in relation to the ball. By placing your supporting foot in line with the ball, you will achieve power while keeping your kick low. By placing it slightly behind, you will produce a rising or lofted ball.

Your upper body also plays a role when kicking the ball. When you lean back, the ball will rise and if you lean forward your kick remain low and hard.

In order to get the maximum power from a strike, the knee of your kicking leg has to be above or in line with the ball at the exact moment you make contact.

Volley - Volleys require a bit more focus than ground shots, since shooting the ball from mid air requires some extra balance, eye-foot coordination and perfect timing of your moves.

Therefore, you need to adapt to the path of the ball by making quick adjustments in your footing. You are ready to swing only after you have positioned yourself at a proper distance from the ball. You should not attempt a volley, if you feel that you are reaching out too far or when the ball is too close to your body for a good swing.

Some situations may require jumping and volleying at the same time. Stay composed and concentrate on timing your leap.

How to strike a volley?

1. Align yourself with the ball This is one of the biggest errors that younger players commit. Before swinging at the ball, you need to shuffle your feet quickly so that you are well positioned. The ball must be at appropriate height and distance away from you. When executing a side volley, it should be aside of you, just about waist high.

2. Timing yourself Timing is the most crucial element when you are taking a volley. Instead of worrying where to hit the ball, anticipate the ideal moment of swinging.

3. Swinging at the ball Before you swing, your upper body and hips should be facing the direction from where the ball in coming. Plant your supporting foot aimed at the target. As the ball arrives, you must swing your kicking foot while naturally turning in direction of the target.

Good contact is more important than swinging hard. If you volley the ball properly, it will have enough power anyway. Your kicking foot should follow a smooth rainbow-like trajectory.

Different methods of striking the ball
soccer shooting

Inside of the foot - Put your supporting foot about 10 cm to the side of the ball with your toes pointed in direction of your target. With your ankle locked at about 90 degrees, bring your kicking leg back and swing through the equator of the ball. Your kicking ankle must be perpendicular to your supporting foot. Contact the ball with the arch of your foot and follow-through in the direction of your target. When well executed, the ball will roll smoothly rather than bounce or skip along the ground.

Outside of the foot - When planting your supporting foot next to the ball, your toes have to be directed about 15-30 degrees outward from your target. This will let you drive your other foot straight at the target, hitting the ball with the outside of your laces.
soccer shooting

Inside curve - Position your supporting foot to the side of the ball with toes aimed at your target or slightly to the side of it. Swing forward with your kicking foot and meet the ball with the upper part of your big toe. "Slice" the ball not in the center but low on the outside, so that a spin will be produced. Follow through in the direction of your swing, not directly towards your target.

Outside curve - If you're kicking the ball with your right foot put your supporting foot on the left side of the ball or vice versa. The toes of your supporting foot should be aimed at your target or slightly to the side, in the direction of the curve. Bring your kicking foot back and swing forward aiming for the inside part of the ball. Again, if you're kicking with your left foot, aim for the right side of the ball. Contact the ball with the outside, lower part of your shoelaces. Remember to follow-through.
soccer shooting

Chip - Your supporting foot should be planted next to the ball with toes pointed at your target. Quickly thrust your kicking foot back and then forward without moving your thigh too much. Sharply cut the ball from the bottom with the the tip of your toes. This will produce a lofted ball, spinning vertically towards you.

Volley - The volley is a kick used when the ball is above ground. In terms of technique, it follows the same principles as the instep drive. Producing a good volley is largely determined by your timing. Concentrate on when to swing rather than where to contact the ball. Don't try to hit the ball really hard. If you strike it at the right time, it will have enough power and you'll get more control over its direction. Make small adjustments in your footing so that you are well balanced prior to actually swinging at it.

That's pretty much everything you need to know about soccer shooting, but knowing all this stuff doesn't necessarily mean you'll also be able to do it. If you want to improve your soccer shooting skills, practice is the key. It's also important to determine which types of shots you're weaker at and work on getting them to a reasonable level, so you can become a soccer scoring machine.