• Shooting: Not at the keeper!
  (From Storm Coach Dan Abshier)

How many times have you seen a player with a good scoring opportunity either strike the ball right at the goalkeeper or miss the goal completely?

We’ve all done it, right? There are usually a couple of reasons for this.

1. We haven’t struck the ball with the proper technique
2. Once we’ve decided to shoot for goal, we look up a second time to see where the keeper is and then hit the ball poorly because we’ve had to rush things.

Here’s a surprisingly simple tip that may help you put more shots on target:

Know where the goalkeeper is going to be relative to your shooting location and simply place your shot accordingly. Once you’ve assessed the situation and decided to shoot for goal, there really is no need to look up to see where the keeper is.

Based on your shooting location, you know where the keeper should be positioned. For example, if you’re shooting from an angle, you should try to place the shot on the far post because you know the keeper will be trying to cut off the near post. If you are shooting from straight on, you know that the keeper is cutting out the middle of the goal and so you know to put the shot on either post. Understanding where a goalkeeper positions him/herself in relation to where the shot is coming from can actually improve your finishing. Not having to take that extra look up will help you focus on striking the ball much better!

• “Look the Foot into the Ball”
  (From Storm Coach Serge Slagle)

You may hear the words: “looking your foot into the ball,” as you pass or shoot. It’s a very important technique you need to master.At the right is a great picture of what it means. You might recognize the shooter. His name is Ronaldo, of Brazil. Ever hear of him? I think he’s a pretty decent footballer. FIFA also thinks he’s pretty good. They’ve named him FIFA World Player of the Year, two or three times. Any doubt whether Ronaldo is “looking his foot into the ball”? Too, that’s pretty decent shooting technique, yes? Ronaldo uses his arms to provide good body balance. The shooting leg is nicely sprung, to provide power — on release. The foot opens the laces to the ball. We can see neither his Plant Foot nor the goal, but judging from his right knee I expect that his Plant Foot is square to his hips, and all aimed nicely at the area of the net he’s trying to reach. Pretty decent shooting form, yes? Next time and every time you’re on the pitch, remember Ronaldo and “Look your Foot into the Ball.”