Football striking technique

When it comes to shooting in soccer, there are two basic techniques- power, and placement. Depending on the situation, one type of shot may be more appropriate than the other and great strikers are masters at selecting the right type of shot for each given scenario. When you’re going for power, the rule of thumb is to hit it with your instep. Powerful shots are most effective when you’re shooting from long distance or if you’re trying to blast it past the keeper. Pick your spot and stick with it. Keep your eye on the ball. Step beside the ball with your plant food. Lock your ankle with your shooting foot. Strike the ball in between the middle and the bottom. Follow through with your shooting foot, it should be the first foot to touch the ground after your shot. In some scenarios, placement over power is the name of the game. The biggest difference between a finesse shot and a powerful shot is the part of the foot that is used to strike the ball. In this case, instead of hitting it with your laces, you’ll want to use the inside of your foot as if you are passing the ball. Pick your spot. Keep your head down and eye on the ball. Step beside the ball with your plant foot and strike through the center of the ball with the inside of your shooting foot. Stay calm and follow through with your shooting leg before bringing your head up.

The most commonly used and arguably the most important pass in football. Mastering it ensures consistency and accuracy in short and medium-range passing. The body faces the passing direction. The standing foot is placed next to the ball, pointing in the pass direction. The passing foot rotates outward to 90 degrees, with the ankle locked (toes pulled up). A controlled swing follows, adjusting power based on the required pass distance. Upright posture ensures better balance and accuracy. The passing foot tilts inward and downward, ensuring maximum contact surface. The ankle is locked, and the ball is played with a slicing motion. Standing foot placed next to the ball. The kicking foot extends fully in the motion, with the toes pointing down at impact. Contact is just below the ball’s center for backspin. The body leans slightly sideways, with the opposite arm outstretched for balance. The follow-through moves across the body instead of straight up. The body stays upright. The kicking foot remains at a natural 90-degree angle instead of fully extending. No full follow-through—the motion is stopped right after impact. Backspin is applied to help the ball drop quickly. The ball is struck with the inside of the foot (instep), slightly toward the inside of the big toe. The body leans into the kick to apply curved spin. A full follow-through is used to generate pace and swerve. The contact point varies: Lower ball contact = higher cross. Mid-ball contact = whipped cross with dip. Standing foot positioned next to the ball. The striking foot is fully extended, with toes pointed down. The knee is over the ball to keep the shot low and controlled. The kicking leg swings fully, with the follow-through aimed toward the target. The upper body leans forward progressively during the strike. The strike is centered on the ball using the instep. A firm, locked ankle ensures solid contact. The kicking foot follows through only slightly, minimizing spin. The body remains slightly upright, creating a "floating" effect. Positioning is key—adjust footwork to meet the ball cleanly. The body leans slightly back for height or forward for low, driven volleys. The timing of the strike determines the power and trajectory.

Body positioning is crucial when it comes to striking a football with both power and accuracy. Start by positioning your non-kicking foot next to the ball, pointing toward your target. This helps with alignment and ensures that your body weight is properly distributed. Keep your chest over the ball and your head down to maintain balance and control throughout the strike. Leaning back too much will send the ball sky-high, while leaning too far forward may cause you to drag the shot. The part of your foot you use to strike the ball determines the type of shot you produce: For power: Use the top of your laces to drive through the ball, keeping your ankle locked and your toes pointing downward. For accuracy: Use the inside of your foot to guide the ball toward your target with a controlled, passing-style strike. For curl: Strike the side of the ball with the inside or outside of your foot to create spin. Powerful shots don’t just come from your legs—they require full-body coordination. Start by driving off your standing foot and swinging your kicking leg through the ball in a smooth, controlled motion. Engage your core and hips to generate extra momentum, and follow through with your leg toward the target. A solid follow-through helps you maintain accuracy and power. After striking the ball, allow your kicking leg to naturally swing through in the direction of your target.