Scoring a goal is one of the, if not the, most important part of the game of soccer. The most common way to score a goal is by shooting the ball. Anyone can shoot a soccer ball. But, not everyone knows the tricks to make their shot accurate and precise. Here are three ways to improve your shot and get another step closer to being the best soccer player you can be!

1. Plant Foot: The approach before taking the shot is just as important as the shot itself. The plant foot is the foot that goes next to the ball when the shot is going to be taken. Perfect plant foot placement would be a few inches to the side of the ball, with the toes pointed in the desired direction for the shot. There should be a slight bend in the knee. This increases stability before the shot is taken and will limit the chance of injury. Maintaining balance is key when planting and can be done by contracting the core muscles and engaging the arms in the movement.

2. Contact: There are different areas of the feet that can be used to shoot the ball. However, using top area of the foot where the shoelaces are located in the best and most efficient way to shoot a soccer ball. By using this technique, the leg goes through its full range of motion during the swing, generating more on power on the shot. To increase the accuracy of the shot, lower the torso so that it is over the ball when the shot is taken. This will keep the shot lower and increase the chances of the shot being on target.

3. Follow Through: Shooting motion is not completed until the shooting leg has come back into contact with the ground. Following through after the shot is taken is done when the athlete lands on the same foot that was used to take the shot. The landing should occur on the sole of the foot. Landing on the toes or heel can create a greater chance of ankle or knee injury. The knee should be slightly bent with the core muscles engaged to maintain balance and keep the body stable. A proper follow through allows the shooter to utilize the leg’s full range of motion to get more power and control on the shot.

Written by Coach Rogel Lima and Kyle Ertel