Soccer is a simple game. To win, you kick the ball into the opponent's net while kicking it away from your own net. But, like many apparently simple things, perfecting the subtle skills required to effectively kick a soccer ball can take years. Practice the following penalty shot drill and it will help your overall game.
1. Place a soccer ball on the penalty line, in front of the goal. Your objective is to hit a strong, accurate shot into the net. Take three big steps back from the ball. Take one step to the side. A rightfooted kicker should step to the left. A left-footed kicker should step to the right.
2. Approach the ball by taking your first step with your kicking foot. On your third step, your nonkicking foot should be even with the ball and about 6 inches (15 cm) to the side. The toes of this foot should point at your intended target. Keep both knees bent and your arms wide for balance. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until these actions become automatic.
3. Bring your kicking foot smoothly forward and strike the middle of the ball with the inside edge of your foot. Your knee should be directly over the ball when your foot strikes it. Swing your leg and foot through the ball so that your foot ends up pointing at the target. Lock your ankle in place when striking the ball to get the best power. Your shot should skim the ground and bury itself in the back of the net.
4. When you have mastered steps 1 through 3, you can modify your shot for more power. Strike the middle of the ball with the top of your foot by pointing your toe down and holding your ankle locked in this position as you swing through the ball. Again, follow through so that your foot points toward the target. As you get better at this shot, your planted foot should move slightly back and farther to the side of the ball.
5. Develop additional power by initiating the kick with your hips and accelerating your foot with your knee. Accuracy is more important than power, so work on this step slowly.
