How to Master Soccer Shooting: Tips and Techniques

There are few moments in football that can compare to the thrill of hitting the ball cleanly and watching it hit the goal, followed by heroic applause as your teammates cheer you on. But these moments are often rare for amateur players.

Whether you’re playing in weekend games or practicing to sharpen your skills, mastering a variety of shooting techniques is key to becoming a reliable goal scorer. Success takes practice, patience, and determination, but with the right approach, you can take advantage of every opportunity.

Most goals are scored in and around the penalty box, often from corners, set pieces or fast attacking play. That’s why your focus should be on creating opportunities and being ready to complete them when the moment comes.

Here are some important shooting techniques that every striker should practice.

Snapshot Header

This is one of the more difficult ways of heading the ball because it requires you to direct the direction of the ball to beat the goalkeeper.

• Assess the ball’s trajectory and position yourself directly in front of the goal.
• Bend at the waist and push your upper body toward the ball.
• When the ball hits your forehead, turn your head towards the goal. Remember, attack the ball rather than letting it hit you. Keep your eyes open to avoid getting hit in the face.
• Try to hit the ball above the center point so that your shot goes downwards, giving the ball a greater chance of passing through or straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.

Diving Header

It’s all about precision and timing. Too early or too late and you’ll miss out.

• The key is pinpoint precision. Launch yourself forward as if you were diving into a pool.
• If the target is on the right, then use the right side of your head, or switch sides if it is on the left.
• If you want the ball to go low then use your forehead. Use the top of your head if you want to make it tall.
• Remember to protect your landing.

Practice makes perfect, so start practicing heading with friends or teammates, throwing the ball from the touchline, increasing the tempo as you progress.

Lob Shot

This kick is especially useful when you are in a one-on-one situation and the goalkeeper steps off his line to be the last line of defense.

• Get under the ball with your punches to slow the ball’s momentum.
• After that, place your non-shooting foot parallel to the ball.
• Use the top of your toe to make contact and hit the bottom of the ball.
• Keep movements short and sharp and avoid follow-through.

Volleyball

Often originating from a careless sweep or rebound from the opposing team, the volley is one of the most powerful ways to score a goal. This requires perfect ball contact in terms of strength and placement.

• Focus on the trajectory of the ball heading towards you.
• Plant your non-shooting foot toward the goal.
• Your hitting foot needs to move in a straight line to generate enough power.
• Turn your body when you hit the ball and follow through.
• Practice over and over again!

Banana Free Kick

One of the most iconic free kicks in football history. This was popularized by Roberto Carlos when Brazil faced France in 1997 when he hit the ball to the right of the wall and the ball changed its trajectory in mid-flight, producing a banana-shaped movement and hitting the back of the goal.

• Focus on where you want to place the ball. Pay attention to the position of the guard and where the defender makes a wall. Find a gap you want to exploit.
• Adjust the distance and angle according to your preference. The best free kick takers have different techniques, so find what works best for you.
• The part of the foot you use determines the degree of twist or curve. The protruding knuckle of your big toe will create more arch as it wraps around the ball. Your arc develops spin by rolling the ball.
• Mastering the combination of both techniques will help you direct the ball around or past defenders.

Get Ready for Your Next Game

Improving your shooting technique is only part of the journey. The right equipment also makes a big difference. Explore the latest balls, football kits and football boots from the biggest brands. From grass fields to artificial turf, find the right equipment to achieve your best performance. Pitch in style before you show off your skills.

Shop the latest football kits and explore:

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