How To Shoot A Soccer Ball With Power

Learning how to shoot a soccer ball with power will take a decent amount of practice. Most people make the mistake of attempting to shoot a soccer ball by kicking in front of the ball. This is all wrong. Correctly shooting a soccer ball starts with solid foot placement and an even better follow through. With anything, shooting a soccer ball with power will take a little getting used to. But, once you get the mechanics and your timing down, you'll notice that you'll improve greatly in a short period of time. Here's how to correctly shoot a soccer ball with power.

1. Approaching the ball. Momentum is important, but contrary to popular belief, you don't need to run a a long distance to shoot a soccer ball with power. Two to three good steps towards the ball is enough to generate the power needed to shoot a soccer ball with a lot of power. So, when you approach the ball, move at it quickly. Pushing your feet in a forward motion to create the momentum you need.
2. At the ball. Once you reach the ball, plant your non-kicking foot on the side of the ball. It should be about shoulder length apart. If you've approached the ball correctly, your knees will be slightly bent. As your non-kicking foot is planting you should be simultaneously pulling your kicking leg back preparing to strike the ball. You'll know if you're in the right position because your kicking knee will be over the ball. This is important. Your kicking knee needs to be over the ball not behind it In order to shoot the soccer ball correctly. This will maximize the power you exert on the ball because you'll be kicking through the ball.
3. The kick. Swing the kicking leg towards the ball. You want to strike the ball in the center as your leg pushes forward. You'll notice how powerful your kick is if your knee is in the correct position. Your shoe laces should be facing perfectly forward towards the center of the ball as well.
4. Follow through. This is pretty self explanatory. The kick isn't completed until you've completely stepped through where the ball was previously placed. Practice kicking the ball in this fashion until it becomes second nature. Pretty soon you'll be rocketing the ball down the field.