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When striking the ball to shoot, do you aim for the keeper and let the naturaly work either side, or aim specifically at positions around the keeper and rely on your technique being accurate?
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The two features of a successful shot are accuracy and power, so if you get these things right, it won't matter who is in goal! The first piece of advice is not to sacrifice one for the other, so there's no point in trying to break the net if the shot isn't on target.
The next tip is to aim low because it is difficult for ‘keepers to get down to the corners. Keep your knee over the ball and use the instep of your foot to strike the middle of the ball. Occasionally the power of the shot will cause the ball to rise or it may hit a bump on the pitch just before you strike it, but aiming for the top corner reduces your chances of an accurate shot. Players often find that aiming at the goalkeeper helps with your accuracy, while the natural swerve of the ball will make the shot more difficult to save.
Like any skill, the important thing is to keep practicing the technique in training. Slowly add the power as you gain more confidence, and don't be afraid to have a go during a game (unless your team-mate is in a better position!).
Steven Gerrard - Shooting & Passing
- How do you get maximum power
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The two features of a successful shot are accuracy and power, so if you get these things right, it won't matter who is in goal! The first piece of advice is not to sacrifice one for the other, so there's no point in trying to break the net if the shot isn't on target.
The next tip is to aim low because it is difficult for ‘keepers to get down to the corners. Keep your knee over the ball and use the instep of your foot to strike the middle of the ball. Occasionally the power of the shot will cause the ball to rise or it may hit a bump on the pitch just before you strike it, but aiming for the top corner reduces your chances of an accurate shot. A long and quick follow-through will allow you to add power to the shot. Don't forget that a side-footed shot is also a useful option, and this will need to be struck with great accuracy using your instep as it is usually a less powerful option.
Like any skill, the important thing is to keep practising the technique in training. Slowly add the power as you gain more confidence, and don't be afraid to have a go during a game (unless your team-mate is in a better position!).
Steven Gerrard - Shooting & Passing
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My team's not doing too well in our league and I am looking to help and improve my shooting, so I can just take a dig from far out? Yes, this takes lots of practice but I have got the time.
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Shooting is a very important skill in football, but like any skill, the important thing is to keep practising the technique in training. Don't be afraid to have a go during a game (unless your team-mate is in a better position!).
For specific shooting tips, please refer to lucozade.com/sport/football for more hints and advice from the LSPL Expert Panel.
Steven Gerrard - Shooting & Passing
- How do get the most power & accuracy into shots?
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The two features of a successful shot are accuracy and power, so if you get these things right, it won't matter who is in goal! The first piece of advice is not to sacrifice one for the other, so there's no point in trying to break the net if the shot isn't on target.
A common mistake is to take your eye off the ball or to lift your head as you are about to shoot, as if you are looking where it's going before you even hit the ball. If you look at any top player when they are shooting, you will see that they keep their eye on the ball at all times, especially when shooting from distance. Otherwise, the shot is likely to go miles over the bar or wide of the posts.
The next tip is to aim low because it is difficult for ‘keepers to get down to the corners. Keep your knee over the ball and use the instep of your foot to strike the middle of the ball. Occasionally the power of the shot will cause the ball to rise or it may hit a bump on the pitch just before you strike it, but aiming for the top corner reduces your chances of an accurate shot. A long and quick follow-through will allow you to add power to the shot. Don't forget that a side-footed shot is also a useful option, and this will need to be struck with great accuracy using your instep as it is usually a less powerful option.
Players often find that aiming at the goalkeeper helps with your accuracy, while the natural swerve of the ball will make the shot more difficult to save.
Like any skill, the important thing is to keep practising the technique in training. Slowly add the power as you gain more confidence, and don't be afraid to have a go during a game (unless your team-mate is in a better position!).
Steven Gerrard - Shooting & Passing
- What kind of training drills can help me to improve my shooting?
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There are a number of simple drills that you can perform either on your own or with your team-mates to help improve your shooting. A very example is lining up a few balls in single file outside the box with a team-mate or coach passing the ball in front of you. Strike the ball with your first touch, maybe switching between left and right foot.
To make this drill more challenging, perhaps change to a bouncing ball in order to practice your half and full volleys. Another variation on this drill is lining-up further back with your coach standing on the edge of the box. Play a one-two with your coach and shoot towards goal. Ask your coach to alternate to the left and right, and ensure that all passes are played with pace. Remember, how you practice in training will reflect how you play in your matches.
If you want to practice on your own, you can dribble around a cone before shooting or bounce the ball in front of you in order to practice your volleying. Alternatively, throw the ball high in the air and work on your first touch in order to set-up a shooting chance.
Don't forget to keep your eye on the ball at all times, and make sure that the ball doesn't go miles over the bar by keeping your head and knee over the ball when you strike it. Don't always try and burst the net - power will naturally follow once your technique is good. Like any skills, plenty of practice is the key so give yourself plenty of opportunities to shoot at goal in order to perfect your technique.
Steven Gerrard - Shooting & Passing
- In the box, is it better to use power or placement when shooting?
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The most important thing is to stay calm under pressure. Too often, you see players blasting the ball high or wide when in a good position in the box, feeling like they have to burst the back of the net. You need to have a combination of power and placement. As you get closer to the goal, your options are reduced and the keeper will usually narrow the angles, meaning that you need to be more accurate with your attempt. A placed shot, using your instep, hit with a bit of power is usually the safest bet in this position.
Steven Gerrard - Shooting & Passing