Soccer is one of the world's most popular sports, and all soccer players -- especially strikers and midfielders -- are looking to gain a competitive edge and score on the goalkeeper. This process takes years of hard work and practice, and combines elements of power, finesse and deception. A strong mental game combined with premier physical training will allow you to make the one-on-one moves necessary to pump a smaller soccer ball past a talented goalie.
Step 1
Keep in mind where you are on the field at all times, and where your teammates are as well. Sometimes, the key to beating a good goalie is to execute the perfect set play, like a give-and-go.
Step 2
Take shots early and often when you are open to test the goalie. Strike the ball with power and try to place it in one of the corners, to make the effort very difficult to save.
Step 3
Adjust your game plan if the shots are not going in early. Be content for a short period of time to set up teammates for scoring opportunities, and pay attention to the goalie's tendencies. This is valuable information that can help you in your scoring quest.
Step 4
Fake the goalie by jutting left, then moving right and firing a shot toward the goal. Try to draw the goalie out of position and seize on the opportunity.
Step 5
Exploit the goalie's weaknesses. If he is bigger and slower, but takes up a good portion of the net, try shooting for his feet, or executing a precision passing play with one or two of your teammates. If he has weak hands, keep firing shots on goal and hope for the rebounds.
Step 6
Create opportunities inside the box by being active and physical. Hustle to loose balls and be aggressive with your tackling. Soccer can be a game of luck at times, and beating a truly good goalie sometimes takes a good break or bounce.
Step 7
Shoot the ball on target. Although you might not score every time, 100 percent of shots that miss the net will not go in. Refine your power and directional abilities in practice with lots of kicks.
Tips and Warnings
- Advance scouting is important, especially at higher levels of soccer. Rely on your coaching staff to report a goalie's strengths and weaknesses, his comfortable positions and the plays with which he struggles.
- No one likes a ball hog. If your shooting is not working, be content to ease back into the flow of the game and set up your teammates.
Things You'll Need
- Soccer ball
- Soccer field
- Soccer nets
- Goalie
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