Shooting a soccer ball with power is an essential skill for any player who wants to make an impact on the field.
A powerful shot can help you score more goals and make you a dangerous threat to defenders from anywhere at any time. However, shooting with power requires more than just kicking the ball as hard as possible. It requires technique, timing, and practice.
In this article, we'll go over four steps to help you shoot a soccer ball with power.
Step 1: The Approach
The approach or run-up is an important factor in generating power with your shot. The longer the run-up, the more momentum you can generate, but more is not always better. Find a distance and stride length that works for you. As you run up, measure your approach, then plant your non-kicking foot beside the ball and prepare to strike it with your laces.
Step 2: Body Position
The next step to shooting a soccer ball with power is to have the correct positioning and footwork. Proper positioning allows you to generate more power in your shot, while the right footwork helps you make proper contact with the ball. Here are some tips to help you with your positioning and footwork:
Plant your Non-Kicking Foot Besides the Ball
Before you take your shot, plant your non-kicking foot beside the ball, pointing in the direction you want to shoot. This will help you maintain balance and control as you take your shot. Drive the foot into the ground and place it far enough away from the ball to give yourself room to swing your kicking leg.
Lean forward and over the ball
As you prepare to take your shot, lean forward and over the ball. Make sure to keep your chest and knee of your shooting leg over the ball to keep the shot low and driven and open your arms for balance. This will help you generate more power in your shot by allowing you to use your body weight and momentum to your advantage.
Wind up on the Back Swing
Once your plant foot is set and you are leaning forward, extend your shooting leg back behind you, bending at the knee. This will generate a big back swing which you will use to make contact with the ball.
Step 3: making contact
As you swing through with your leg, the next step is making contact. The sweet spot for striking the ball is the laces or top of your shoe. When you strike the ball, point your toe down and keep your ankle locked. Aim for the center of the ball to ensure that you get a clean, pure strike eliminating any unnecessary spin on the ball. Keep your eyes on the ball as you make contact to ensure you strike with accuracy and power.
Quick Tip
Practice using the soccer ball logo as your center contact point by setting it down and facing you on the grass when you strike the ball. Drive your foot directly through the logo in the middle of the ball each time.
Step 4: Follow Through
After you've made contact with the ball, follow through with your shot. This means continuing the motion of your kicking leg and letting your momentum carry you in the direction you want the ball to go.
Keep your chest over the ball and land on your kicking foot to finish the striking motion.
Following through when shooting will help you generate more power and accuracy every time.
Make it a daily practice...
Try to practice your shooting every day.
Confidence is key when shooting with power, and by practicing regularly you will feel more confident when opportunities arise in games.
By mastering these four steps, you'll be able to shoot the ball with power, which will make you a better player, help you score more goals, and be a valuable asset to your team.