Long Range Shooting
There are a few things to consider when opting for a long range shot - you need vision, good technique and the ability to strike the ball cleanly, to mention a few.
When we are young, we are instructed to stop the ball before passing - ‘trapping the ball’. This can lead to bad habits for players as they become use to stopping the ball with the sole of their foot. This forces you to look at your feet, take another touch to get the ball out from your feet and then look to pass or shoot - by this time an opposition player is within good distance to stop you passing and shooting.
Usually, in the attacking third of the field, we do not have enough time to stop the ball - we need to be able to control the ball so that it lands away from the body into a position that will allow us to use our second touch in the best possible way - shooting or passing.
A good area for your first touch is to play the ball infront of your body (about a 45 Degree angle to the left or right of your body depending on if you are right or left footed) - you know can use your vision to see what opportunities you have around you.
Advantages:
Your focus is now on the area around you rather than just on the ball.
You can immediately choose your passing and shooting options.
You have more time to see what is around you and are less likely to get caught in possession.
Do not neglect what you are controlling the ball for. By that I mean you should be aware, before you receive the ball, of what you want to do with it - pass or shoot.
So again, many thanks to Danial for helping us to provide another tip that will help you in your mission to become the best.
If you have any suggestions on future Tips then please let us know - we’ll be more than happy to help!
So, you know what’s required to help you become better at long range shooting and some of the skills and techniques required.
I’m sure you can’t wait to get practicing those techniques can you?