The Art of Shooting: How to Shoot a Soccer Ball
How do you shoot a soccer ball? Knowing how to shoot a soccer ball is one of the most important skills of the beautiful game. The only way to win games is to score goals and the main way to score goals is by taking shots at goal.
No matter what position you play, improving your shooting skills will help you become a better player because it translates to other skills as well and improves your overall ability to kick the ball. In this blog I will share with you the best tips for how to shoot a soccer ball properly.
Image by Omar Ram
Tips for How to Shoot a Soccer Ball
When you analyze how professional players play and shoot the soccer ball, you will realize that they make shooting a soccer ball look effortless and it can become effortless for you too if you follow these tips.
Regain Full Foot Function and Become Fascia-Driven
The first few steps to learn how to kick a soccer ball involve regaining full foot function, and learning how to keep the ankle locked while applying fascial tension to both feet, the shooting foot and the planting foot.
Fascia, the body’s connective tissue, is responsible for most of your proprioception, body awareness, and interoception, awareness of what is happening inside your body, which is why it is important to learn how to apply fascial tension to your body, starting with the feet, since they are your first connection to the ground and your base of support.
Becoming more fascia-driven will help with your body positioning, which is the next tip.
The Significance of Body Positioning
Your body’s alignment and where your feet and hips are pointing play a huge role in where the soccer ball will go. Having the right body position means you create the right angle to line up your shot and you are in an athletic position, on the balls of your feet, knees slightly bent, and you are leaning over the ball.
If you are too far from the ball when you swing you will have to reach for the ball and not be able to get as much power.
Plant foot ahead
When you shoot a soccer ball you have to be aware of both feet, right and left foot, no matter which one is your dominant foot. As you are approaching the ball from a slight angle the plant foot should be placed pretty close to the ball with the inside of your foot facing the ball and your toes pointed in the direction you want the ball to go too.
Follow-Through
The follow through of your foot determines how far and how strong the ball will go. Similar to how a golf swinger follows through with their swing, soccer players need to follow through with their feet to get more body momentum which will lead to more power.
Image by Tapan Kumar
Common Mistakes While Shooting & How To Avoid Them
The art of shooting a soccer ball is not only about power, but also about precision, timing, and technique. Here are some more tips to help you avoid common mistakes while shooting a ball.
Not having a locked ankle
A locked and strong ankle will lead to a strong kick the same way a wobbly ankle will lead to a wobbly kick, which is why it is important to learn how to apply fascial tension to your foot.
Improper Follow-Through
Not following through is another mistake that players can make, especially younger players and beginners. To fix these issues, first make sure your ankle is locked, and then make sure you extend your leg forward towards the target. Also an important part of the follow through is to land on your shooting.
Improper body alignment
Inaccurate body alignment is also another one of the most common mistakes when kicking a soccer ball. To fix your body alignment make sure your planting foot and your hips are pointing in the direction you want the ball to go.
Advanced Shooting Techniques for Aspiring Players
For players looking for more advanced techniques for shooting a soccer ball here are a couple of options.
Chip Shots
A chip shot is a term that refers to the strategic move where players loft the ball high into the air over the goalkeeper. This technique requires timing, precision, and a good tactical understanding of different situations.
To execute this skill effectively, approach the ball at approximately a 45-degree angle. Place your non-kicking foot beside the ball while swiftly hitting the bottom of the ball, so that it goes up in the air, and with not too much of a follow through, since this one is more about technique than power.
Curving the ball
Another common way to shoot a soccer ball involves curving the ball, or bending it. This shot is also more about technique and you can watch this video to learn how to curve a soccer ball.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soccer training program?
The best online soccer training program and soccer app is Football Entangled. There is no other program like Football Entangled on the market and this community, much more than just an app, will help you get closer to making your dreams a reality.
How can I improve my soccer shooting technique?
The best way to get the best shot every time and improve your shooting technique is by going outside and practicing as much as you can. From team trainings, to other variations of the game such as pickup games, futsal, and indoor soccer, to individual drills performed at maximum intensity.
How can I learn more about the game?
To learn more about soccer the most important thing is to join a team and play the game as much as possible. If possible, analyze high level games as much as you can and your own games as well by recording them with a soccer camera. Also read soccer books, listen to podcasts and interviews watch soccer documentaries, as well as some movies, tv shows, and anime.
Conclusion
In conclusion, knowing how to shoot a soccer ball is one of the most important skills for all players to master, no matter the level and position. In this blog, I covered everything you need to know about how to shoot a soccer ball, from important tips as well as common mistakes to avoid.