How To Score Long Range Goals | Increase Your Shooting Power & Accuracy

Summary

This video provides valuable tips for improving shooting technique from outside the box in soccer. It covers common mistakes, such as keeping the ball too close, stutter steps during approach, and poor planting foot positioning. The video emphasizes the importance of momentum, proper foot placement, backswing, and follow-through for generating power and accuracy. Viewers learn how to stabilize their stance, lock their ankle for a cleaner strike, and focus on the contact point on the ball to improve consistency. Repetition is key for mastering these techniques.

Takeaways

• ⚽ The approach to the ball, or run-up, is crucial for generating momentum and power. Push the ball slightly ahead to allow for better striking distance.
• 👟 Avoid pushing the ball directly under your feet; this limits power generation and makes it easy for goalkeepers to save.
• 🏃‍♂️ Use longer, wider strides (2-3) in your approach for better momentum instead of stutter steps.
• 🦵 Proper planting of the non-kicking foot is key. The foot should be strong, stable, and directly beside the ball to maintain balance and power.
• 🎯 Point the toes of your planted foot toward the target to ensure accuracy and guide the ball in the desired direction.
• 🎯 As you gain confidence, you can adjust the placement of your planted foot to aim for the corners of the goal.
• 🏹 A larger back swing generates more power, similar to pulling back a bow before shooting an arrow. A short back swing reduces power.
• ✋ Raise your opposite arm to your kicking leg to maintain balance when in motion, particularly during the back swing.
• 👣 Strike the ball with your InStep (between the laces and the inside of the foot) for the cleanest, most powerful contact.
• 👁️ Stay focused on the exact part of the ball you want to hit throughout the strike. Avoid looking up too soon, as this can impact accuracy.

Q & A

What is the first step in a good striking technique?

The first step in a good striking technique is the approach to the ball, or the runup. This helps generate momentum, which is important for the power of the strike.

What mistake do players often make with their approach to the ball?

Many players push the ball too close to their feet, making it difficult to generate power. To avoid this, players should push the ball slightly out in front and at an angle, allowing for longer, wider strides to generate momentum.

How should a player position their non-kicking foot when striking the ball?

The non-kicking foot should be planted firmly beside the ball, with a slight bend in the knee for stability. It should also point directly toward the target, acting like a steering wheel for the shot.

Why do players struggle to strike moving balls compared to stationary balls?

Players struggle with moving balls because the timing of the planting foot becomes more difficult. When the ball is stationary, it’s easier to place the foot beside the ball, but when it's moving, improper timing can lead to off-balance shots.

What role does the back swing play in generating power in a shot?

The back swing is crucial for generating power. The further back a player swings their leg before striking the ball, the more momentum they can create, similar to pulling back a bow before releasing an arrow.

How can players maintain balance during the striking process?

Players can maintain balance by raising their opposite arm to their kicking leg, which helps stabilize the planting foot. Leaning slightly over the ball with a tight core also improves stability.

Which part of the foot should a player use to strike the ball?

The ball should be struck with the instep, which is the area between the middle of the foot and the laces. This is a dense part of the foot that allows for clean and powerful contact.

What happens if a player's ankle is not locked when striking the ball?

If a player’s ankle is loose during the strike, it will result in a loss of power. The foot needs to be firm and locked to act like a tennis racket, ensuring the ball is struck with full force.

Why is it important to focus on the ball even after striking it?

It’s important to stay focused on the ball throughout the strike because taking your eyes off it too early can result in inaccurate contact. Elite ball strikers often keep their eyes on where the ball was even after it has been kicked.

What is the purpose of a good follow-through after striking the ball?

A proper follow-through ensures that all the power and accuracy generated before the strike are maintained. It involves swinging the kicking foot toward the target and landing back on the kicking foot for balance.