This article is part of our soccer shooting guide. I recommend looking at it to get the most out of your soccer shot, and the most out of this article.
Learning the correct parts of a soccer ball is very easy, but many players never learn it. This article will teach you the different parts, what they do, and how you can utilize them to shoot better.
Direction of Ball
First off, you need to know the absolute basics of accuracy. Basically, shooting a ball and actually having an idea of where it's going!
The parts of a ball direction wise are:
Middle
Kicking the ball in the middle will direct it straight.
Right
Kicking the right side of the ball will send it left.
Left
Kicking the left side of the ball will direct it right.
This is the absolute basics of accuracy, but it gets more complicated.
Angle of Foot
Try shooting the ball at the center from an ankle. The ball doesn't go straight does it? The angle of your foot is one of the many factors that determine just where the ball goes.
The important thing is to practice while looking at the different parts of the ball. It will take work, but you will start to get a feel for which part of the ball to hit in different situations.
Type of Shot
If you have read types of soccer shots, you know that different shots require striking different parts of a soccer ball. Below is a general idea of the type of shots that striking different parts produce:
Top
Keeps the ball low and straight.
Bottom
Lifts the ball in the air.
Left Side
Bends the ball right.
Right Side
Bends the ball left.
Training Shooting Accuracy
The best thing you can do is to get out on the pitch and start shooting. Always look at the ball so you can gauge where your foot strikes it.
By doing this at different parts of the field, and hitting different parts of the ball, you will develop a sort-of natural radar. This radar will allow you to generally know where to strike the ball in what situation to score.
Practice, practice, practice. Training accuracy is a life-time soccer skill. Don't get frustrated because seeing results may take a while.
Become a Better Shooter
Our Soccer Shooting Guide is the most in-depth guide to shooting on the net. It is a collection of many articles, that will develop you shot from the ground up (if you choose). Players who read and implement the guide notice drastically improved shooting ability.
Visit our free Soccer Shooting Guide.
