Soccer Basics #4

 In this post I'm going to talk more about the offensive part of soccer like shooting, volleying, and heading the ball.

 Shooting

• Shooting the ball is essential to any position in the game as you don't always know when you will have an open shot at the goal.
• The first step is to make sure you are in a position to actually shoot the ball or is there a better pass you can make.
• Next, make sure the ball isn't to far in front of you, it should be about six inches in front of you.
• Then, plant your weak foot next to the ball, about three to four inches. Make sure your weak foot is pointing in the direction that you want to shoot the ball.
• Lastly, swing your foot back and strike the ball with the laces of your shoe.
• If you are one on one with the keeper or taking a penalty kick make sure you pick a corner to shoot the ball to maximize your chance of success.

 Volleying

• Volleying the ball is a lot like shooting the ball on the ground but a little more difficult.
• Keep your eye on the ball in the air and time it so you make sure that you hit the ball.
• Plant your weak foot to the side of the ball, again pointed to where you want to shoot the ball for accuracy.
• Swing your foot back or to the side, depending on where you are according to the ball, and strike the ball with your laces.
• Decide how much power you need based on how far you are to the goal.

 Heading

• Heading is maybe the hardest way to score a goal in soccer so you have to practice a lot.
• Whenever you are going to head a ball always keep you eyes open just in case you need to make a last second adjustment and so where you are heading the ball.
• Time your jump so you will meet the ball in the air so the ball isn't to low but not above you obviously, "...you can see him leaping into the air to meet the ball,"(Stewart 51).
• When you head the ball make sure you snap your head back and forward and hit the ball with your forehead to maximize the power you head the ball with.
• If you are sideways to the way that you want to head the ball hit the ball with the side of your head by snapping back and then towards the ball with force.

 If you have any questions please leave it in the comments below.

 Stewart, Gail B. Soccer. Lucent Books, 2001