Even at the highest levels of soccer, professional players in high-pressure situations at times send the ball rocketing to the heavens instead of into the back of the net. You can readily improve on their sky-balls, at whatever level you play, by practicing ways to better your aim at soccer. If you put placement over power, your passes and shots will enjoy a better degree of success. You can emulate David Beckham, whose right foot typically makes the ball land almost wherever he wants.
Step 1
Polish your basic technique on the instep drive, the fundamental kick for long passes and shots on goal, until you achieve a reliable degree of control. Take a long step to the ball, draw your kicking leg back so that your body and knee are over the ball, and snap your kicking leg forward to contact the middle of the ball. Lock your ankle as you strike the ball, toes pointed down. Follow through smoothly, without jerking your head up or leaning your body backward, which tends to send the ball skyward.
Step 2
Take the Bobby Charlton shooting drill, named after the Manchester United great, to fine-tune your aim. Mentally divide the goalmouth into six rectangles: the top corners count 40 points, the bottom corners 50 points, the upper middle of the goal is 20 points, and the lower middle, 10 points. Stand at a distance away from the goal appropriate for your skill level and no closer than the penalty mark. Take 15 seconds to kick four balls into the goal, having a teammate score and tally your results. Alternatively, shoot into training nets with numbered pouches to fine-tune your aim.
Step 3
Work on your aim against a goalkeeper and then against defenders. Set up a grid with two pairs of cones for goals at either end. Play a game such as "five versus four" -- your team of five against one goalkeeper and three defenders -- so you can work on well-aimed shots while under pressure. Add another opponent so each team has an equal number of players once you have a string of successes, recommends Deborah W. Crisfield in “Winning Soccer for Girls.”
Tips and Warnings
- Shoot from in front of the goal or at a slight angle to it, not from a deep angle near the corners, to give yourself the best chance of aiming and succeeding in your shot. If you are a coach, maintain age-appropriate objectives in teaching good aim. Very young players do well to aim anywhere in the goal, while older soccer players, with practice, have the ability to place the ball in the corner.
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