How to shoot with power

I see it all the time on the pitch, excellent dribblers but with a weak shoot. The best jugglers and dribblers are pretty much useless in a football team if they can’t shoot to goal. You need to learn how to shoot with power.

A powerful shot is not about size or strength, it is about technique. Surely going to the gym and developing the right muscles helps, but you can be a small player and still kick the ball with power. Brazilian legend Roberto Carlos was known for his powerful kick. During a friendly match against France, he is scored a free kick by shooting the ball at 137 kmph. Roberto Carlos is only 1.68 m tall.

Key points to remember

• The run up is what generates most of the power. Take at least five long strides before hitting the ball.
• Plant your standing foot right beside the ball with your toe pointing exactly where you want the ball to go.
• Bend you standing knee a little bit and extend your arms to maintain balance.
• Position your kicking knee right on top of the ball.
• Lean your body forward for a straight shoot. Lean your body slightly backwards to lift the ball a little.
• Hit the ball with the laces of your boot. There are other ways of hitting the ball, but they focus on accuracy rather than power.
• Hit the center of the ball. If you hit it low, it will lift. If you hit it in one of the sides, it will move forward spinning to one of the sides.
• Follow through the kick so your foot keeps in contact as much as possible with the ball.

Have a look at the video below, Michael demonstrates how to shoot with power.

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