How to Score More Goals in Soccer
If you’re reading this, then chances are you love soccer and want to score more goals. Don’t we all?!
Or, maybe you’re just starting out and looking for some tips to improve your game.
Either way, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the best ways to score more goals in soccer.
Before we get started, let’s take a quick look at what makes a great goal-scorer.
What makes a good goal-scorer? This is a quality that many great players share: they create their own luck. Whether by being in the right place at the right time or working hard to get into position, great goal-scorers find a way to put themselves in a position to succeed. They also have the composure needed to finish when they get those opportunities near the net.
So with this in mind, let’s explore some of the best ways to become a great goal-scorer in soccer!
1) STRIKE the Ball With Your Laces
Soccer is only as competitive and enjoyable as the technique the player has – every single move matters, with every touch of the ball having consequences for a player’s success.
If you want to get ahead and increase your goal-scoring rate, then mastering the technique of striking a soccer ball with the laces of your cleat is critical.
Easier said than done, of course!
You will need patience and practice, but when you can do this consistently, it opens up many opportunities – giving you more power to shoot or pass further away from pressure and defenders.
Here’s a video tutorial on how to strike a soccer ball with your laces.
With this new ability, your confidence to attack will grow each game.
2) Improve Your Shooting Accuracy
If you want to rake in the goals consistently, then make sure you’re practicing your accuracy frequently – both from long range and close distance!
Especially for the youngsters, start off by honing in on your technique; take notice of the way your body moves when you shoot, where your arms are placed, how much power is generated, etc.
Then spend some time repeatedly firing shots into an imaginary goal box or practice post until the accuracy of your short-distance shooting. Quantity and quality are vital.
When it’s time for long-distance shooting, it’s perhaps even more crucial that you get into a place with precision and accuracy: master the art of quick foot maneuvers while making sure every single shot counts.
Here’s a video on how to improve your shooting accuracy. Keep in mind that muscle memory is such a key component. Practice, practice AND practice!
3) Create More Space for Yourself on the Field
It’s important to remember that your defender is constantly looking for ways to shut you down, so you need to make sure you are able to create space.
One way to do this is by using your body shape and position – shifting yourself away from defenders and using sharp turns or quick dribbles while still maintaining control of the ball are great ways to deceive an opponent and gain slight advantages.
This way, even if defended closely, you will still have enough room for a shot or pass.
4) Know When to Run Toward the Goal
Being aware of where other players are is key to predicting when opportunities for runs may occur. Most goals in soccer are assisted. By putting yourself in a position for a pass, you can create many scoring opportunities.
When making runs, timing and spacing are important; you must start your run at the right time so that you’re not offside when receiving the ball.
A great way to build familiarity with this technique is to train regularly, focusing on drills that simulate game-like attack scenarios as often as possible.
Watching professional teams during matches can also provide helpful insights into how forwards make intelligent runs that lead to more successful attacks.
5) Have Confidence
No matter how well and how much you practice, if you don’t have the belief that you can achieve your goals, then your performance on the pitch won’t match your desire.
Having confidence is not only helpful when attacking, but your overall game including your defense.
If players believe (HONESTLY, believe) they can defeat their opponent, they will be more likely to persistently pressure them on defense, thus increasing their chance of winning the ball and creating an offensive opportunity.
6) Practice, Practice, Practice!
It goes without preaching but to be successful scoring more goals, a player must dedicate themselves to getting better. This requires a daily dose of purposeful practice, dedication and patience.
I may sound like a broken record, but the old adage of ‘practice makes perfect’ definitely holds true.
The more you practice something, the more it develops into confidence. Habits can form quickly when repeatedly exposed to an activity or task, which will help your performance grow.
Then, use the training to make it a realization in a game. When you are able to translate what you do at practice into real results during a game, the world of soccer opens up for you.
