3 Ways To Shoot A Soccer Ball - WikiHow

Home » How To Shoot A Soccer Ball » 3 Ways To Shoot A Soccer Ball - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Shoot a Soccer Ball PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Walter Merino

Last Updated: March 24, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Kicking the Ball
    • |
  • Shooting While Running
    • |
  • Choosing Where to Shoot
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Walter Merino. Walter Merino is a Youth Soccer Coach and Co-Founder of Ole Soccer Club based out of the Los Angeles, California area. He has coached youth from the age of four to the high school and college levels. Walter has played collegiate soccer for Cal Poly Pomona and Los Angeles Mission College. His accomplishments include coaching Olé Soccer Club to win the 2017 Cal South State Cup Governors Boys 2007 Division title. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 686,624 times.

Shooting the ball with power and accuracy is an important skill for any soccer player to have. The best way to develop proper technique is by practicing. A good shot includes judging the situation on the field as well as planting your non-kicking foot and driving your leg forward with power. Become a better shooter and watch your goal tally soar!

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Kicking the Ball

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Look up before kicking the ball. 1 Look up before kicking the ball. Before shooting, glance up at the field in front of you. Focus as much as possible on where you want the ball to go. Note where the other players are, including the defenders, goalie, and your teammates. Use this information to adjust your shot or pass when a teammate has a better shot opportunity.[1]
    • You may notice some professional players shooting without looking up. Through in-game experience, they develop a sense of their positioning on the field. This most often happens close to the goal, since looking up delays the shot a little.
  2. Step 2 Keep your eye on the ball. 2 Keep your eye on the ball. Look back down at the ball and keep looking at it until you kick it. Doing this leads to stronger, more accurate shots.[2] Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Run towards the ball with even strides. 3 Run towards the ball with even strides. Keep the strides you take the same length they would be while running. Avoid stretching forward too far or taking a series of short steps, since this throws off your balance.
    • When kicking a still ball, stand only far enough back that you can reach the ball in 3 or 4 steps.
  4. Step 4 Plant your non-kicking foot next to the ball. 4 Plant your non-kicking foot next to the ball. Where you place this foot determines where the ball will travel. Place it beside the ball, about shoulder width away from your other foot. A good, medium distance should feel comfortable to you. Keep your toes pointed straight ahead to the goal.[3]
    • Placing your foot further away from the ball helps when you need to lift the ball more, such as when kicking over a wall of defenders.
  5. Step 5 Bring your kicking leg back as far as possible. 5 Bring your kicking leg back as far as possible. The further you can bring your leg back, the more power you’ll generate. Bend your leg at the knee and keep your toes pointed downwards. In the perfect kicking position, your leg looks like it’s in the shape of a “V.”[4]
    • Stretch your legs often to increase your flexibility.
  6. Step 6 Hold your ankle in place. 6 Hold your ankle in place. This is also called locking your ankle. Your foot should still be pointed downwards, straight and firm. Your ankle shouldn’t wiggle at all as you kick the ball. Any movement weakens your shot.[5]
  7. Step 7 Stand straight as you kick. 7 Stand straight as you kick. Staying in a neutral position gives you maximum control over the ball’s flight. Leaning a little, if it feels natural to you, it's fine, but don’t try to lean more. Instead, focus on turning to face the goal.
    • If the ball often flies over the net, you may be leaning back too much. If it stays lower than you’d like, you may be leaning forward too much.
    EXPERT TIP Walter Merino

    Walter Merino

    Soccer Coach Walter Merino is a Youth Soccer Coach and Co-Founder of Ole Soccer Club based out of the Los Angeles, California area. He has coached youth from the age of four to the high school and college levels. Walter has played collegiate soccer for Cal Poly Pomona and Los Angeles Mission College. His accomplishments include coaching Olé Soccer Club to win the 2017 Cal South State Cup Governors Boys 2007 Division title. Walter Merino Walter Merino Soccer Coach

    Expert Trick: Before you kick a goal in soccer, glance up and spot where you need to kick the ball. Then, position your hips to where you want the ball to go. Just be aware that at higher levels, goalies will learn to read your body language and even your eyes, so you may have to disguise your intentions.

  8. Step 8 Target the middle of the ball. 8 Target the middle of the ball. Pick out the spot where your foot will strike the ball. Most of the time, this is the part of the ball closest to you. Kicking it in the center gives you control over your shot while also generating lots of power.[6]
    • To raise your shot in the air more, kick the ball a little lower than center.
    • To bend the ball, kick left or right of center. Kicking on the left causes the ball to curve to the right. Kicking on the right side causes it to arc to the left.[7]
  9. Step 9 Strike the ball with the laces of your shoe for a more powerful shot. 9 Strike the ball with the laces of your shoe for a more powerful shot. Bring your foot forward. Hit the ball with the top part of your foot to generate powerful but accurate shots. This is the kind of shot you’ll need on most occasions.
    • To bend your shot more, strike the ball with the side of your toes.[8]
  10. Step 10 Kick the ball with the side of your foot for a more accurate shot. 10 Kick the ball with the side of your foot for a more accurate shot. As you approach the ball, turn your foot to the side. Hit the ball with the inside edge of your foot. Your shot won’t be as strong, but the increase in accuracy is good for shots near the goal or when the defense doesn’t give you a lot of space.
  11. Step 11 Follow through with your kicking leg. 11 Follow through with your kicking leg. After striking the ball, don’t stop moving. Bring your kicking leg through at a medium height. Step through and plant your leg on the ground. A bad follow-through causes your shot to fall short of the target or fly wildly off-course.
    • To make the ball go higher, lift your leg into the air more during the follow-through.
    12. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Shooting While Running

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Push the ball ahead of you. 1 Push the ball ahead of you. To get a good shot, the ball can’t be close to your body. Tap the ball a step or two ahead of your kicking foot. Push it directly ahead of you to set up a normal, straight kick. Move it slightly to the side when you need to bend your kick or change your angle.[9]
    • Take moderate strides towards the ball. The best shot happens when you don’t slow down or change your stride much when approaching the ball.[10]
    • To practice this, start by approaching the ball with slow, even strides. Increase the speed once this feels comfortable.
  2. Step 2 Plant your foot ahead of the ball. 2 Plant your foot ahead of the ball. Planting your foot is the same as a normal kick, except the ball is rolling. If you plant your non-kicking foot next to the ball, the ball will roll past it. When done perfectly, the ball will be even with your foot when you kick it.[11]
    • Remember to point your toes on the foot that is planted towards the goal!
  3. Step 3 Kick the ball as you normally would. 3 Kick the ball as you normally would. Use the same approach that you learned before when kicking the ball. Draw back your foot, lock your ankle, and follow through with your shot. Soon, the shots you take while running will be as perfect as the ones you take while standing still!
    4. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Choosing Where to Shoot

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Take shots at distances comfortable to you. 1 Take shots at distances comfortable to you. Glance up at the field to see where you are in relation to the ball. Recall how well you shoot during practice. If you don't have a lot of power, shooting from distance won't do you any good. You'd score more goals by being closer to the ball to get a better shot.
    • Practice taking shots at all sorts of ranges and angles to prepare for any situation that arises during a game.
  2. Step 2 Pay attention to the goalkeeper’s positioning. 2 Pay attention to the goalkeeper’s positioning. The goalie (or keeper) may stand to the side, exposing one side of the goal. They may also cheat to one side, leaning over or beginning to run before you shoot. Surprise them by shooting in the opposite direction![12]
  3. Step 3 Shoot across the goalie. 3 Shoot across the goalie. Normally your best bet is to shoot towards the opposite side of the net. If you’re on the right side, shoot towards the left part of the goal. The goalie usually will be closer to you and will have to move farther to reach the ball
    • This isn’t always your best option. If you’re very close to one side of the goal, someone’s blocking the other side, or a defender is approaching, you may not be able to aim at the other side.
  4. Step 4 Aim towards the corners or side netting of the goal. 4 Aim towards the corners or side netting of the goal. Normally, the goalie stands in the middle of the goal, leaving the sides open. Force the goalie to dive to make the save, if possible. Make use of the side netting, since it's a big target when you're shooting from the sides of the field.
    • Although players enjoy aiming for the upper corners, more goals are scored in the lower corners![13]
  5. Step 5 Shoot above or below the keeper. 5 Shoot above or below the keeper. Shooting the ball to the side means the goalie has to stretch to make the save. A goalie can easily move from side to side, but it’s more difficult to stretch upwards or downwards. Even the best goalies can’t always reach the corners of the goal.
    • Where you aim depends on the situation, but avoid shooting at a medium height as much as possible.
    • Shooting low is also great when there’s lots of defenders in front of you. It can lead to goals on deflections or rebounds.
  6. Step 6 Kick the ball in the air when defenders are in front of you. 6 Kick the ball in the air when defenders are in front of you. If you can’t push the ball past them to get a better angle, you can still take a shot. Strike the ball slightly below center. This lifts the ball in the air more, putting it over defenders or chipping a goalie that runs forward.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How do I score a perfect header? Community Answer Community Answer When the ball is in the air and near you, jump and hit the ball in the center with your forehead. To curve, hit from the side. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 50 Helpful 195
  • Question What part of my foot is the inside with relation to hitting a soccer ball? Community Answer Community Answer If your right foot is your strong foot, then the inside of your foot is the left side of the foot. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 82 Helpful 181
  • Question Which side of my foot do I need to shoot a football? Community Answer Community Answer To get power use your laces. If you are passing use the inside of your foot. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 51 Helpful 160
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Practice taking shots in lots of different locations on the field, especially in the attacking third, to perfect your shooting technique. Thanks Helpful 23 Not Helpful 5
  • A good way to adjust your technique is to film yourself kicking. Watch the film and see what you’d like to do differently. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 8

Tips from our Readers

The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
  • Practice long passes and penalties with your friends to help improve your performance and accuracy.
  • Leaning forward can make the shot go down, while leaning backward can make it go up.
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Score Goals in a Soccer GameHow toScore Goals in a Soccer Game Kick a Soccer BallHow toKick a Soccer Ball Kick a Soccer Ball HardHow toKick a Soccer Ball Hard Score a PenaltyHow toScore a Penalty Kick a FootballHow toKick a Football Score A Goal In SoccerHow toScore A Goal In Soccer Kick a Field GoalHow toKick a Field Goal Score a Direct Free KickHow toScore a Direct Free Kick Bend a Soccer BallHow toBend a Soccer Ball Be a Good Soccer StrikerHow toBe a Good Soccer Striker Cure Toe Kick in SoccerHow toCure Toe Kick in Soccer Play SoccerHow to Play Soccer: Skills, Rules, Positions, and More Curve a Soccer BallHow toCurve a Soccer Ball Be Good at SoccerEasy Ways to Get Good at Soccer Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://open.online.uga.edu/soccer/chapter/rules/
  2. ↑ https://www.csuci.edu/recreation/basicsoccerrules.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www.fnu.edu/how-to-play-college-soccer/
  4. ↑ https://recwell.berkeley.edu/competitive-programs/intramural-sports/rules-policies/soccer-rules/
  5. ↑ https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1020&context=exercise-science-research-proposal-posters
  6. ↑ https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/airplane/socforce.html
  7. ↑ https://urec.uark.edu/intramural-sports/sports-calendars/Soccer.pdf
  8. ↑ https://news.mit.edu/2014/explained-how-does-soccer-ball-swerve-0617
  9. ↑ https://recsports.msu.edu/imsports/activityrules/soccer.html
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://kiddo.edu.au/sites/default/files/documents/Skill%20PDF_kicking.pdf
  2. ↑ https://sportnz.org.nz/media/2037/manipulative-skills-striking-with-the-feet.pdf
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Wo4ZhpJIt4
  4. ↑ https://digitalcommons.gardner-webb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1020&context=exercise-science-research-proposal-posters

About This Article

Walter Merino Co-authored by: Walter Merino Soccer Coach This article was co-authored by Walter Merino. Walter Merino is a Youth Soccer Coach and Co-Founder of Ole Soccer Club based out of the Los Angeles, California area. He has coached youth from the age of four to the high school and college levels. Walter has played collegiate soccer for Cal Poly Pomona and Los Angeles Mission College. His accomplishments include coaching Olé Soccer Club to win the 2017 Cal South State Cup Governors Boys 2007 Division title. This article has been viewed 686,624 times. 190 votes - 82% Co-authors: 69 Updated: March 24, 2025 Views: 686,624 Categories: Soccer Article SummaryX

To shoot a soccer ball, run toward the ball, taking 3 or 4 even, long strides, then plant your non-kicking foot next to the ball with your toes pointing where you’re aiming. Next, bring your other leg back as far as possible before bringing it forward. Then, kick the middle of the ball with the top part of your foot for the best power and accuracy. If you’re near the goal, kick the ball with the inside edge of your foot to get more control. For tips on how to get the ball by the goalie, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Portuguese Russian French Indonesian Dutch Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 686,624 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Josh N.

    Josh N.

    Sep 1, 2020

    "As a forward, I was having difficulty with my shot and it was hurting my confidence in the final third. This..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. icon $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything. Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Walter Merino Co-authored by: Walter Merino Soccer Coach Co-authors: 69 Updated: March 24, 2025 Views: 686,624 82% of readers found this article helpful. 190 votes - 82% Click a star to add your vote Josh N.

Josh N.

Sep 1, 2020

"As a forward, I was having difficulty with my shot and it was hurting my confidence in the final third. This..." more D. Davis

D. Davis

Nov 22, 2017

"I am a Phys Ed teacher and this article truly helped me prepare a soccer lesson I was unsure about delivering to my..." more Tanyinzeh Brandon

Tanyinzeh Brandon

May 9, 2020

"This article has help me so much to understand football." Anonymous

Anonymous

May 24, 2023

"It works! Like really really well." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Blue Lock Character Am IWhat Blue Lock Character Am ITake QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizName That Soccer Player QuizName That Soccer Player QuizTake QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizAm I a Good Kisser QuizTake QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizCan We Guess How Tall You Are QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Score Goals in a Soccer GameHow toScore Goals in a Soccer GameKick a Soccer BallHow toKick a Soccer BallKick a Soccer Ball HardHow toKick a Soccer Ball HardScore a PenaltyHow toScore a Penalty

Featured Articles

150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel SpecialWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic MeaningsWhat Does Your Tattoo Placement Mean? Spiritual & Aesthetic Meanings19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the World19 of the Rarest Wonders from around the WorldWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizWhat Is My Aesthetic Quiz Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the Holidays

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Random Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune Generator

Featured Articles

Hilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)Why Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeA Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body Type Tell if You’re in LoveHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?What’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw QuizWhat’s My Demigod Fatal Flaw Quiz

Quizzes & Games

Rate My Personality QuizRate My Personality QuizTake QuizAm I Funny QuizAm I Funny QuizTake QuizWhat's My Fight Style QuizWhat's My Fight Style QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizAdvanced Roulette GameAdvanced Roulette GamePlayHow Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Sports and Fitness
  • Team Sports
  • Soccer
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --610

Tag » How To Shoot A Soccer Ball