Acquiring soccer skills, particularly control while striking the ball, takes a great deal of practice and patience. Your entire body must be in the correct position in order to strike a ball and keep it from rising over the goal. Imagining a face on the ball and kicking it in the "nose" area can help keep the ball on the ground. Practicing on a still ball is often the first step in learning to shoot or pass with control. Once you have achieved success this way, you practice shooting while dribbling or with a ball moving toward you.
Passing Shots
Step 1
Place the ball on the ground in front of you and back up a few steps to approach the ball.
Step 2
Look toward your target --- the lower half of a goal, a mark on a wall or a cone --- and turn your body to face it.
Step 3
Approach the ball slowly and place your plant foot about six inches to the side of and even with the ball, with your toes pointing toward your target.
Step 4
Put your weight in your plant foot and swing your kicking leg toward the ball, turning your toe outward and locking your ankle so that the inside of your foot strikes the ball.
Step 5
Strike the ball in the center and follow through with your kicking leg moving in the direction of your target.
Instep Shots
Step 1
Place a ball in front of you and back up a few paces, moving slightly to the left if you kick with your right foot and slightly to the right if you kick with your left.
Step 2
Approach the ball and place your plant foot six inches to the side of and even with the ball, with your toes pointing toward your target. You can even place your toes slightly in front of the ball.
Step 3
Swing your kicking leg back and then forward quickly, pointing your toes down and locking your ankle.
Step 4
Strike the ball in the middle or higher with your shoelaces and drive your kicking leg through the ball toward your target.
Step 5
Follow through by landing on your kicking foot.
Tips and Warnings
- Keeping your shoulders and head over the ball when you pass or shoot will also help keep the ball low to the ground. Practice with both your dominant and nondominant foot to increase your overall skills.
- Warm up and stretch before shooting to avoid pulling muscles.
Things You'll Need
- Soccer ball
- Soccer shoes
- Goal, a wall or cones
References
- "Soccer Skills and Drills"; Gary Rosenthal; 1984
- ExpertFootball.com: How to Strike the Ball
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