SHOOTING A BALL

Shooting Drills

1) Have a forward post up on the top of the box and form about twenty feet away of shooters. Have them play the ball into the forward, who lays the ball off to the right or left for his or her teammates to take a first time shot on goal. Then have the line move to the side, so you're hitting the ball with the inside and outside of your feet (both right and left) and move the line accordingly.
2) Line players up along the side of the goal and then form another line at the top of the box. The players along the side of the goal play the ball with pace to the players at the top of the box, who then have three touches to get a shot off before the charging player closes them down.
3) Play combinations at the top of the box - overlaps, give and goes, and crosses that all lead to shots. Try to hit a moving ball and make the drills game-like.
4) Have a defender play the ball to the shooter from behind, about ten yards away from the shooter. Then, once the defender plays the ball to the shooter he or she closes (chases) down the shooter.
5) Throw ball into the shooter, difficult balls to control. Set limits on the number of touches the shooter can take before he or she gets a shot off.

The Various Ways to Strike the Ball

Instep - Use the top surface area of your shoe just before the laces begin. Do this when you want to strike the ball with power.
Side of the foot – Kick with the flat portion of your shoe. Turn your body to the right or left, depending upon which foot you are kicking with. This is used more for accuracy and placement. Pass the ball into the net. Strike the ball low and to the corners.
Outside of the foot - Use the outer surface of the front part of your foot (also referred to as "tres dedos" or “three toes” in Brazil). It’s best used to bend the ball and strike through the ball.


More Shooting Tips

• Keep your knee and head over the ball.
• Land on your shooting foot when shooting with power (follow through).
• Strike the center of the ball and strike through the ball.
• Keep your toes pointed and your ankle locked.
• Strike with power or place the ball into the corners.
• Keep your hips square to your target.

Keep Shooting

Don't stop shooting. You may miss the first four or five shots you take but have the sixth or seventh shot hit the back of the net. Concentrate on getting your shots on goal. Don't get discouraged if your first couple of shots don't go where you want them to go. Keep trying and don't lose focus. Look for chances and make something happen.