To learn to shoot at goal, you need to follow a methodical approach, starting with building individual technique, then group practice, lay off, turn and shoot drills, and finishing in a game situation. Each of these requires you to spend some time in understanding where you’re lacking and putting in the effort to improve those points.

Practice Exercise 1

We begin with individual shooting practice, straight at goal with only the goalkeeper standing in your way. There are a few pointers to keep in mind before you jump into this. The lace part of your boot should connect with the middle of the ball. And position the upper part of your body (angled towards the ground) above the ball before you shoot.

This helps ensure the ball travels low rather than going too high and above the goalpost. Kick with sufficient power and ensure a proper follow-through. The follow-through keeps you prepared for a rebound (in case that happens), giving you a second chance to shoot at goal.

In general, you’ll find a powerful ground shot is more effective, as it is difficult for the goalkeeper to save. Switch to shooting with the left leg which will be quite difficult at first, but it’s important to be able to shoot at goal with either leg. It will strengthen your body and make you a much more versatile player.

In the next exercise, a partner will pass the ball to you, and you’ll have to adjust your body movement, position yourself correctly, and then shoot.

Practice Exercise 2

You need to master the art of turning and shooting. As an attacker, you’ll have to evade the defender with sudden bursts of speed and quick turns, before getting your shot at goal. To practise this, stand facing the opposite direction of the goal. A partner will pass the ball to you. As it comes to you, control the ball, turn and shoot.

At this stage, we’ll introduce a technique known as lay off, or a lay-off pass, which is basically when you are hounded by the defender and have no room to turn and shoot. Do a quick pass to a teammate who is running towards you, and set it up such that he can score (while you block the defender).

Practice Exercise 3

As a beginner, it is important that you focus on accuracy while shooting at goal. Perfect this and power will automatically be built up progressively with practice. The final part of this shooting training is a game situation with 2v2 attackers and defenders. Be alert and keep looking to create opportunities for scoring. The timing of the pass between the attackers is crucial to convert a goal.

That covers shooting drills in football. Read the step-by-step guide on how to improve your technique. The next technique to be learnt is equally interesting – volleying at goal. Keep reading and continue on this journey to mastering the sport of football.