Why is shooting important?
Scoring goals is the hardest skill to master in football. That’s why goal scorers are so highly valued. There are many ways you can shoot on goal. You can drive the ball, curve the ball, head the ball or even pass the ball into the net. Each scenario is different, but you need to practice every aspect of shooting.
Football Shooting Drill 1: Drive at goal
You will need a goal and some balls for this drill.
1. Approach the ball with good energy and plant your standing foot to the side of the ball.
2. Lock your ankle and point your toe down. Put your body and knee over the ball at point of contact, keeping your head down at the point of contact. (If you lean back the ball will go high)
3. Using the laces and forefoot, watch the ball closely and swing your leg through. The follow through is important as this is where you will get most of your power.
4. Practice your technique, a correct technique will generate greater power.
5. Practice aiming for the bottom corners of the goals from a variety of angles and positions on the pitch. 6. Perfect this with a stationary ball and then practice striking a moving ball.
7. You may wish to introduce a goalkeeper, or receive a pass or cross from a variety of angles prior to taking your shot.
Football Shooting Drill 2: Curling shot at goal (inside)
You will need a goal and some balls for this drill.
1. Approach the ball at an angle and plant your standing foot to the side of the ball.
2. Open your foot up and strike the outside of the ball with the inside of your foot. Wrapping your foot around the ball as you strike it.
3. Keeping your eyes on the ball and follow through across your body to generate that curl.
4. Practice your technique.
5. Practice aiming for the bottom and top corners of the goals from a variety of angles.
6. Keeping your body over the ball will help you keep it low. Lean back to generate height but ensure you keep your balance.
7. You may wish to introduce a goalkeeper or receive a pass or cross from a variety of angles prior to taking your shot.
Football Shooting Drill 3: Curling shot at goal (outside)
1. Approach the ball straight on and plant your standing foot a little wider on the side of the ball.
2. Using the outsole of your foot, strike the ball on the outside imagining your wrapping your foot around the ball.
3. Keep your eyes on the ball and follow through.
4. Practice your technique.
5. Practice aiming for the corners of the goals from a variety of angles.
6. Keeping your body over the ball will help you keep it low. Lean back to generate height but ensure you stay balanced.
7. You may wish to introduce a goalkeeper, or receive a pass or cross from a variety of angles prior to taking your shot.
Football Shooting Drill 4: Heading
1. With a partner, stand a small distance apart and have your partner loft the ball towards you at head height.
2. Keep your eyes open and focused on the midpoint of the ball. Use your forehead to connect with the ball. Practice your timing and use your whole body to generate speed, not just your head and neck.
3. Once you are confident with your timing, advance to jumping for the ball off two feet.
4. Next progress to a run and jump off one foot, heading the ball from different angles. Practice on directing the ball back into the server’s hands or a target.
5. Practice defensive heading by heading the ball as high and wide as you can, away from the goal.
6. Practice attacking heading by heading the ball into a goal. Focusing on heading the ball in a downward direction as these are difficult for the goalkeeper to save and it will also reduce the likelihood of the ball going over the bar.
7. Heading is a challenging skill, it takes lots of practice and the timing of your leap is crucial.
Keep at it!
Remember: repetition is vital so keep practicing! Also check out our guide on passing drills you can run by yourself and how to juggle a football.
Leigh Broxham is a four-time Championship winner and total games record holder for Melbourne Victory and is a proud adidas ambassador.