How To Shoot A Soccer Ball? (With Accuracy & Precision)

Soccer is played all over the globe and is immensely popular in almost every country. However, mastering soccer is no easy job, as you need dedication, persistence, and constant improvement. But as the first step, we will now be going to discuss how to shoot a soccer ball the right way!

Shooting a soccer ball is one of the most essential skills in the game of soccer. It is the act of propelling the ball toward the goal with force and accuracy. You can use the inside, outside, and instep of your feet to make accurate shots.

However, there are many other techniques that you also need to incorporate to become a speedy shooter. So without any further ado, let’s dive into the realm of soccer training (to become a pro!).

Parts Of The Feet That Can Be Used To Shoot A Soccer Ball

Unlike trapping in soccer, where you can use four body parts, shooting is only allowed with feet. There are three parts of the feet that can be used to shoot a soccer ball:

• Inside Of The Foot: The inside of the foot is the most commonly used part of the foot to shoot a soccer ball. This part of the foot provides accuracy and control while shooting.
• Instep: The instep is the top part of the foot, which is used to shoot the ball with power and swerve.
• Outside Of The Foot: The outside of the foot is used to shoot the ball in a different direction from where the player is facing. It is mostly used to surprise the goalkeeper.

If you can master shooting skills, you can easily become a striker in soccer and lead your team to success. But yes, you need to work on your footwork and ball control as well.

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Techniques To Shoot A Soccer Ball Accurately

If you are a defender, you need to first know how to tackle in soccer. But if you are a striker or forward, you need to concentrate more on your shot accuracy and speed. So, here goes the tailored tips to improve your shot accuracy.

1. Plant your non-shooting foot beside the ball, with the toe pointing towards the target.
2. Keep your head down, your eyes on the ball, and your body weight over the ball.
3. Use your striking foot and strike through the middle of the ball.
4. Follow through with your striking foot, pointing it in the direction of the target.
5. Aim for the corner of the goal, where the goalkeeper is unlikely to reach the ball.

If you are already practicing in some sports academies, ask your coach or trainer to give you a daily routine to improve your shooting techniques and accuracy.

Shooting Set Pieces

Not just in regular play, some of the best soccer goals came from set-piece movements, such as penalty kicks, free kicks, and even corner kicks. So, you also need to improve on them to become a complete forward.

Shooting A Free Kick

1. Determine the best angle to approach the ball.
2. Place the ball on the ground and back up a few steps.
3. Choose the part of the foot you want to use.
4. Aim for a specific spot in the goal.
5. Take a few steps back and then take a run-up toward the ball.
6. Strike the ball with the chosen part of the foot and follow through.

Shooting A Penalty

1. Place the ball on the penalty spot.
2. Choose the part of the foot you want to use.
3. Keep your head down and eyes on the ball.
4. Take a few steps back from the ball and then approach it.
5. Strike the ball with the chosen part of the foot and follow through.

Accurately Shooting A Corner Kick

1. Identify the area where you want the ball to go.
2. Place the ball on the corner spot, ensuring that it is not moving.
3. Decide on your approach to the ball, either a short or long kick.
4. Take your run-up from a distance behind the ball.
5. Use the inside or outside of your foot to strike the ball, depending on the target area you chose.
6. Ensure that you follow through with your striking foot, pointing it in the direction of the target area.
7. Observe the flight of the ball and adjust your technique accordingly.

You need to remember that some of the best last-minute soccer goals came from set-piece movements. So, your scoring chances will be higher if you can perfect these skills.

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Shooting Drills To Improve Shot Accuracy And Power

You need constant improvement under the best soccer coaches to become a pro player who can shoot accurately and with more power. Here are some common shooting drills you must try to improve rapidly.

• Target practice: Set up targets in different areas of the goal and practice shooting toward them.
• Wall Pass Drill: This drill involves passing the ball against a wall and shooting it with different parts of the feet.
• 1v1 Drill: This drill involves dribbling the ball toward the goal and shooting it with accuracy.
• 1v1 With The Goalkeeper: Practice shooting in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper to improve your ability to score under pressure.
• Shooting On The Run Drill: This drill involves running toward the ball and shooting it with power and accuracy.
• Volleys: Practice taking volleys by shooting the ball out of the air before it hits the ground.

If you practice hard and include these drills in your practice routine, even some of the best soccer goalkeepers will find it hard to stop your ball while you shoot on target. But practice and persistence in practice are a must!

Top Players Known For Their Accurate Shots

Some of the retired soccer players, such as Roberto Carlos and David Beckham, has already won the heart of millions due to their shot accuracy and power. But some of the current pro players took it to a new height. They are:

• Lionel Messi
• Cristiano Ronaldo
• Robert Lewandowski
• Harry Kane
• Luis Suarez

Many other pro players, such as Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland, are also known for their impressive shooting skills and accuracy. They often snatch the victory through their sheer shot power.

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Players With Top Shooting Speed And Accuracy

Some of the greatest soccer players of all time are known for their shooting precision, power, and control. They can shoot the ball with unmatched accuracy and up to 90MPH speed.

Player	Speed (mph)	Accuracy (%)
Lionel Messi	85	85
Cristiano Ronaldo	88	80
Robert Lewandowski	82	81
Harry Kane	79	84
Luis Suarez	81	82

Many people stand for CR7, while many others stand with Messi after his recent 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar win. But in the Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo debate, both players stand head-to-head in both power and accuracy.

Step-by-Step Guide On Shooting A Soccer Ball Accurately

Even some of the strongest soccer players fail to generate greater power while shooting due to improper technique. So, here is the guide you must follow.

1. Stand beside the ball with your non-shooting foot planted beside the ball.
2. Take a few steps back from the ball.
3. Approach the ball with your shooting foot.
4. Strike the ball with the chosen part of your foot, aiming for the corner of the goal.
5. Follow through with your striking foot, pointing it in the direction of the target.
6. Keep your head down and your eyes on the ball throughout the shot.
7. Practice this technique repeatedly to improve your accuracy and power.

If you need more accuracy in your shots, you need to practice with a smaller goalpost. Try to use half the area of the entire goal box and practice the target.

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Common Mistakes While Shooting and Their Solutions

You can only earn caps in soccer if you constantly improve your techniques and devote time to your practice. However, many players make some common mistakes.

• Not Keeping The Head Down: This often leads to the player losing sight of the ball, resulting in a lack of accuracy.
  • Solution: Always keep your head down and your eyes on the ball throughout the shot.
• Using The Wrong Part Of The Foot: Using the wrong part of the foot can lead to a lack of power or accuracy.
  • Solution: Practice using different parts of the foot to shoot the ball and determine which one works best for you in different situations.
• Lack Of Follow-Through: Failing to follow through with the striking foot can result in a lack of power and accuracy.
  • Solution: Make sure to follow through with the striking foot, pointing it in the direction of the target.
• Not Using The Non-Shooting Foot Effectively: The non-shooting foot is important for balance and control during the shot.
  • Solution: Make sure to plant the non-shooting foot beside the ball and use it for balance and control throughout the shot.

Throughout the entire length of a soccer game, you’ll hardly get 2-3 minutes where you have a right chance to hit your shot on target and convert it to a goal. So, you need to rectify your mistakes to yield output!

Final Note

Shooting a soccer ball accurately is a vital skill for any soccer player. By using the right part of the foot and following the proper technique, players can improve their accuracy and power. It is also essential to practice shooting drills and learn from top players known for their accuracy.

By avoiding common mistakes and consistently practicing, players can develop their shooting skills and become more effective on the field. So, that’s all for today, soccer fans! Feel free to drop your queries and start a conversation with us in the comment box below.