Everyone who’s ever played football and fallen in love with the beautiful game has dreamed of stepping on the green field professionally, and imagined themselves playing under blue lights as cameras flash. Whether amateurs or semi-pros, everyone has had that dream, at least once.
Thus, while playing, many of us have thought of ways to improve our game. To become a better player. To become a better striker of the ball, to shoot a long range scorcher, to curl in a shot from distance, to shoot with power, to shoot with finesse, to get just the right amount of power to see the ball zoom into the top corner.
But it is easier said than done.
So, here are 5 ways you can improve your shot power and accuracy in football:
Keep Your Ankle Locked
If you want to hit the ball hard, make sure you keep your ankle locked. It should be straight and hard as you move in to hit the ball. The harder it is, the better your connection will be.
Position Yourself Properly
Another important thing is your body position. To get the perfect shot, be steady, and place your weak foot exactly besides the ball. As the dominant foot comes in to strike, your weak foot should be steady. Slant it if you want more power. Practice this a few times to get it right. The slanting is especially difficult, since your entire body weight will come on to your leg at an angle you aren’t used to, so get used to it to avoid injury.
Shoot With Your Laces
Make sure you connect the ball with your laces for maximum power. With a hard ankle, hit it with your laces. Or you could also hit it with the part just by the laces – the biggest bone of your foot. If you touch your foot, you can feel it protruding. That should also provide more power.
Have A Clean Follow Through
This is extremely important. Make sure your body is leaning over the ball before you shoot. If your body is open and facing upwards, you will sky the ball, hit it for a six. Remember, this isn’t cricket, that isn’t your endgame.
Also, move your foot in the direction you want the ball to go after you have connected with the ball, and follow through in that direction. If you want to go left, follow through to the left, if you want right, follow through right, and so on and so forth.
Make sure you do not whack the ball with all your might, like a lunatic. Go for precision over power. There’s a good chance it will only hamper your shot instead. So, make sure you hit it on target. Once your accuracy is certain, the aforementioned steps will improve your power as well. Channel your power with an equal helping of accuracy for the best results.
So, what are you waiting for? Channel your inner Juninho Permabucano and go and get practicing those shots!
