Not all goals in soccer look alike. There are volleys, half volleys, bending shots, headers, and more. In this article, we will explore different types of soccer shots that you can practice and try to master to help take your game to the next level.
Types of Soccer Shots
If you play in an offensive position or find yourself close to the goal at any time, you will want to learn the various types of shots to be an effective field player for your team.
Standard/Instep Shot
The instep shot is the most common type of shot on goal. It is when you strike the ball with the instep of your foot, or where your laces are. This can be done with either foot. The purpose of the instep shot is to overwhelm the goalkeeper with a powerful shot. This shot is typically taken from a distance or if you have time to take a touch to set yourself up for the shot.
For this shot, you want to place your standing foot to the side of the ball. Strike through the ball and hit the center of the ball with your instep. If you hit the side of the ball, you will lose power, making the shot less effective. If you hit the ball too low, it will fly over the crossbar. To aim, turn your chest toward your target and lean forward a bit.
Cody Gakpo
Volley Shot
The volley shot is when a player strikes the ball in mid-air before it touches the ground. This can be a tricky shot to do. But when you do it correctly, it can be a powerful and effective way to score a goal.
To strike a volley, stand facing your side, you should face your target. Step towards the goal, your plant foot pointing at your target. Your body should still be facing sideways. Make sure your legs open up when you step, your thigh angled back for power.
Locke your ankle with your toe straight down. Strike the middle to the upper middle part of the ball to keep the ball straight. Follow through and finish with your shoulders and body facing the target.
Joe Cole
Half Volley
The half volley is like the volley, but you will strike after it bounces off the ground and not in mid-air. Kicking the ball immediately after it bounces allows players to save time when attempting to establish control. As opposed to slowing down to trap the ball or dribble.
To strike a half volley, you want to place your plant foot next to the ball, then strike through the ball with your shooting foot just as the ball bounces off the ground.
Thiago Alcantara
The Toe Shot
The toe shot, while it may not provide as much power or accuracy as other shots, can be surprisingly effective. You use this type of shot for high-pressure situations. For example, when defenders are closing in and the ball is a few feet away. You may not have time to take a straight shot, but you are able to stick your leg out and kick the ball with your toe.
To do a toe shot, you want to stick your leg forward and kick the ball with your toe. You do not move your leg backward for momentum.
Ronaldinho
Chip Shot
The chip shot requires a bit of finesse. It is when you lift the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net. This type of shot is typically used when the goalkeeper is off their line. Or when you are in a one-on-one situation. The aim of a chip shot is to have the ball go straight over the goalkeeper and into the net.
A chip shot is also a great passing technique. Kick the ball over the head of your opponent gets it away from the defender and toward your teammate.
Like most shots, the chip shot takes some practice to perfect the skill. You want to avoid using too much force when scooping the ball as it can cause the ball to land further than where you wanted it.
To take a chip shot, place your plant foot firmly on the side of the ball. Your toe needs to be angled downward. Keep your foot low to scoop beneath the ball. You can scoop it from the side or straight ahead. Kick the ball upward in a swift motion, but you don’t want to use too much force. Lean your body slightly backward to help improve the thrust of the ball.
Totti
Headers
A header is when you use your head to direct the soccer ball into the net. You can head the ball any time the ball is off the ground. It is a great technique to move the ball quickly and accurately in tight spaces.
When heading a soccer ball, keep your eyes on the ball at all times while it is in the air. Try not to move too much when contacting the ball. Plant your feet. Bend your knees slightly to help maintain your balance and to build momentum with your contact. Lean your body backward to build momentum before thrusting your body forward.
To learn about the various types of headers in soccer and how to improve your headers. Read this great Blayze article here!
Ronaldo
Van Persie
Bicycle Kick
The bicycle kick is an acrobatic shot that involves kicking the ball while in mid-air and turning upside down. This shot is typically used when the ball is crossed into the box and your back is to the goal.
This is definitely something you want to practice. The basic mechanics are to face your body away from the goal. Kick the ball while the ball is in the air, using your legs to properly yourself upside down.
Safety tip!! Start by going sideways more than a full bicycle kick. Focus on the landing. You don’t want to land on your head or neck! Slowly work up to a full bicycle kick.
Hugo Sanchez
Bending Shot
You can use a bending shot to kick the ball around defenders and to score from a trick angle. A bending shot can be taken from any part of the foot, but the inside or outside of the foot creates the most bend.
To do a bending shot, kick the sides of the ball at an angle. If you use the inside of your foot, you will need to wrap your leg around the ball and follow through to the outside of your body.
Roberto Carlos
Tips for Training on Your Own
One of the best things you can do for shooting is to go out by yourself with a bag of balls and take different types of shots on goal. You can do this with or without a keeper. In games and at team practice, you don’t have the opportunity to take enough of these shots to get the “practice” needed to improve.
This is why it is important you train on your own! The more you practice these types of shots, the more they will become second nature to you and you will find you use them more in your games.
What Should I Focus On When Shooting?
Technique, technique, technique!!! Focus on locking your ankle and properly striking the ball with whatever technique you are choosing at the moment. Practice these often so that it becomes a habit each time you strike a ball at the goal.
How Can I Master Each Shot?
There are a ton of different shooting drills that you can do. The possibilities are really endless depending on what type of shot you want to work on.
You can change up the distance, the angles, and the area of the foot that you use.
To get an idea of some drills, try 5 Drills to Improve Shooting Accuracy.
If you find yourself struggling to get a shot down, contact your Blayze coach for additional help and some pointers!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Focus on accuracy
A big mistake many soccer players make with shotting is focusing on the power of the shot over their technique. Always master your technique first before moving to add power.
The closer you are to the goal, the less powerful shot you need to be successful. This is why the pros may make a weaker shot when closer to the goalkeeper, but they use the accuracy of the inside of their foot.
Keep your eye on the ball
This helps to improve your accuracy and your power. If you look up when you kick the ball, you will throw off the projection of your swinging leg and most likely miss the goal. Don’t look at the defenders or the goalie either - stay focused on the ball.
Follow through
Following through on your kick greatly increases your power and accuracy. If you don’t follow through, you will be chipping the ball more than kicking it. To follow through, you want to continue your kick after you make contact with the ball. Follow your leg toward the target to help improve accuracy. If you want the ball to go higher, swing your leg higher after you kick the ball. If you want to drive the ball, follow through at medium height. Always land on your shooting foot.
Here is a fun example of Miroslav Klose using a variety of shots in the 2014 World Cup series.
Klose in World Cup
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