Scoring goals is the pinnacle for any striker in soccer. Being able to consistently convert chances into goals is what separates the good strikers from the great ones. Mastering the art of finishing will make you a huge asset to your team and give you the best chance to win games.
Below is a 5-step guide to help strikers improve their finishing technique and become more clinical in front of goal. Implementing these tips in training will help develop your scoring instincts and sharpen your killer touch in the 18-yard box.
Step 1: Work on Shooting Technique
The foundation of being a prolific goal scorer is having excellent shooting technique. Pay attention to the small details that go into striking the ball powerfully and accurately toward the goal.
Proper Foot Placement and Body Positioning
Place your non-kicking foot about 6 inches to the side of the ball, pointed towards the target.
Keep your body over the ball, knees slightly bent and balanced.
Lean back slightly, then drive through the ball, transferring your weight from back to front.
Keep your knee, hip, and shoulder aligned toward the target.
Make contact with the laces for power, or inside of the foot for placement
Lock Your Ankle and Strike Through The Middle of The Ball
Lock your ankle before contact to get maximum power.
Strike through the vertical equator of the ball for the truest shot.
Follow through fully after contact, pointing your toe down for topspin.
Focus on Placement, Power, and Accuracy.
Place low shots to the corners forcing the keeper to dive.
Power upper 90 shots underneath the crossbar.
Practice inside curlers aimed just inside the post.
Work on accuracy by picking your targets.
Practice with Both Feet
Strikers need to be versatile to open up more angles
Get comfortable shooting with both your dominant and non-dominant foot
You never know which foot you’ll have to use in a game to pounce on a chance
Step 2 – Improve Your First Touch
Having a refined first touch is crucial for strikers to set themselves up for scoring opportunities. The way you control an incoming pass or ball can determine whether you end up with a chance on goal or not.
Cushion the Ball into Space or Away From Defenders
As the ball comes in, gently cushion it to create separation from defenders
Push the ball into open space where you can run onto it
Quickly change direction or speed up after the first touch
Set Yourself Up to Shoot or Pass
Control the ball into your shooting zone to fire quickly
Check your shoulder to bring the ball across your body and open up angles
Kill the ball to shoot first-time or combine with teammates
Work on Trapping Balls Out of the Air
Extend your body and get your platform behind the ball
Let the ball hit your laces or thigh and take the pace off
Move into the flight of the ball rather than wait for it
Juggle the Ball to Enhance Your Touch
Juggling improves coordination and ball control
Start with your feet, thighs, and chest – then mix up combinations
Do toe taps, around the world, crossovers – be creative!
Sharpening your first touch will help you control balls cleanly, escape pressure from defenders, and set yourself up to do damage in the final third.
Step 3 – Master the Art of Volleys
Being able to strike the ball cleanly out of the air is an extremely valuable skill for strikers. Volleys and half-volleys allow you to hit the ball powerfully without having to control it first.
Perfect Your Volley Timing
As the cross comes in, jump slightly early, meeting the ball at the highest point
Keep your eyes fixed on the ball for maximum contact
Get your body positioned over the ball and make mid-air adjustments
Make Solid Contact for Power and Accuracy
Strike through the middle of the ball, keeping your ankle locked
Follow straight through after you make contact for power
Focus on directing volleys low on frame towards the corners
Practice Half-Volleys for Versatility
Use the bounce to generate power and spin
Strike just after the ball hits the ground for optimal height
Vary power and placement with both feet
Repetition is Key to Consistency
Start simple, volleying against a wall from close range
Progress to volleys off crosses and out of the air
Do agility ladder drills for quick footwork and coordination
Volleys are invaluable weapons to have in a striker’s arsenal to catch keepers off guard from tight angles and crowded boxes.
Step 4 – Practice Shooting Drills
To develop into a prolific scorer, strikers need to spend time working on a variety of shooting drills and scenarios. Quality repetition is key to improving the finishing technique.
Angle Shots
Work on angled runs and shots from both wings
Open up your body and pick the far corner
Whip balls across the goal with power and bend
Cutting Across the Box
Make angled runs towards the near post
Cut across defenders and shoot quickly across your body
First-Time Shots
One-touch shots off crisp passes into the box
Volleys from headed knockdowns and crosses
Quick releases from angled pullbacks and layoffs
Shooting After Beating a Defender
Shoulder fakes and stepovers to unbalance defenders
Burst of pace to drive past the challenge
Compose yourself and pick your spot
The more game-like scenarios you can recreate in training, the more instinctive your finishing will become in matches. Test yourself by shooting under pressure, off balanced, and from awkward angles.
Step 5 – Develop Your Scoring Instincts
The best strikers have an almost psychic ability to find the back of the net. They develop sharp instincts that allow them to filter out noise and finish calmly.
Read the Defense to Exploit Gaps
Scan for gaps as play approaches
Make darting runs when defenders ball-watch
Communicate with teammates to coordinate movements
Make Smart Runs to Get into Scoring Positions
Curve runs to stay onside and shake markers
Arrive late, untracked, at the back post
Come short, then spin in behind the backline
Anticipate Crosses and Rebounds
Get on your toes, ready to pounce when balls enter the box
Follow shots for rebounds and second chances
Composure is Key in Front of Goal
Stay calm and focused when clean through on goal
Don’t snatch at chances – pick your spots
Visualize sequences leading to scoring before they happen
By honing your shooting technique, improving your first touch, mastering volleys, drilling different scenarios, and developing sharp instincts, you’ll be primed to become a top-class finisher.
Strive for quality repetition in training, stay on top of fundamentals, and keep visualizing success. With persistence and hard work, you can become a striker who consistently converts chances and gives your team the best opportunity to win games.
Read More: What Is A Striker In Soccer? The Complete Guide for 2024
