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Shooting The aim of the game is simple: score goals. To score goals, your players need to develop both good shooting technique and a positive attitude toward taking shots whenever they have a good opportunity. If you do not shoot, you will not score.   Athlete Readiness The beginner player is able to kick in the general direction of the goal, but without any consistency or power. They usually kick the ball with the toe or, awkwardly, with the inside of the foot. The player may slow down or stop before attempting to shoot and finds it very difficult to shoot a ball that is rolling across the body.   The intermediate player has a positive attitude toward taking shots and is able to shoot with a reasonable degree of accuracy. This player is able to shoot with the top of the foot (instep) to generate power. The player will occasionally connect successfully with a rolling ball but has learned to increase success by controlling the ball before shooting. The player is still likely to lose composure and effectiveness under pressure and has not mastered the advanced skill of volleying the ball out of the air.     Teaching Shooting When shooting, approach the ball slightly from the side, not straight on. This allows the foot to make a more natural and effective strike on the ball. Place the nonkicking foot at the side of the ball. Swing the kicking foot backward with a bent knee. Keep your eye on the ball and head still. Swing the kicking foot forward with knee pointing down. Kicking foot follows the ball as the knee straightens.     Following through with the kicking leg guides the ball into the corner of the net, the direction where the foot and leg are pointed.   Shooting (Dartfish)     Coaching Tips Most goals are scored from the side of the goals, because the middle is usually well defended; therefore, it is more beneficial to teach players to shoot at an angle. It is important to teach shooting in the correct size goals. It is harder for a goalkeeper to save a low shot. When a ball is in the air, the goalkeeper can pick up the flight of the ball. Low shots can also be deflected or change direction by hitting bumps on the field. Always aim for the far post when shooting at an angle. This increases the chance of a secondary opportunity. When shooting, accuracy is more important than power. To shoot low, it is effective to hit the ball with the laces of the shoe.   Key Words From The Side Sweep Around   For good accuracy and power, keep the head down and strike the ball with the instep and with the ankle firmly locked.   Key Words Head Down Toe Down Watch The Foot Strike   Make a strong impact on the ball, and follow through with the foot. When shooting, it is recommended to use proper size goals where available. To practice shooting, it is better to aim for the corners; therefore, cones can be placed on the goal line and players encouraged to aim between the cone and the post.   Key Words Strike

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