In soccer, there are many different ways to strike the ball. The way you kick the ball can change the speed, direction, and amount of spin on the ball. Most of these shots I myself have used to score goals. Each style of kicking can be used interchangeably during different situations in a game. Most of these shots I myself have used to score goals.

One of the simplest shots to do in soccer is a curved shot. The Curved shot is very versatile but is not always the best option for every situation. This shot is good for when you are trying to accurately place the ball or for when there are many defenders blocking the goal. To put curve on the ball all you have to do is hit the ball off center. The further to one side of the ball that you kick the more curve you will get. The follow through on the shot should wrap around the ball towards the direction you want the ball to go. When making contact with the ball keep your body over the ball, as leaning back will make the ball have much more lift than intended.

A more complicated shot is a knuckleball if hit correctly it is extremely hard for the goalie to save. The challenge for the goalkeeper is caused by the balls rapid change in direction. Knuckleballs tend to move in a zigzag motion when coming towards the goal and then just before reaching the goal, completely changing direction. When kicking the ball you must hit the ball directly in the middle. The ball should have no visible spin if the ball spins too much then the shot will be much easier to save. The movement and speed of a knuckleball are remarkable. This unpredictable movement is caused by the wind catching the grooves and imperfections of the ball making it move in this zigzag pattern.

One of the most memorable goals I have scored was a knuckleball goal. It was during an indoor game of soccer while I was playing for my winter club team. I was playing forward and was running up the middle of the field adjacent to the right wing who was running up the side with the ball in his possession. Right as a defender steps to him he passes to me, leaving me wide open about 10 feet away from goal. I take one touch over to the right and then strike the ball with my right foot. I watch as the ball sails through the air and then dips straight down right under the goalies dive.

Outside of the foot shooting is an art that has been masterfully executed many times by Manchester united midfielder Paul Pogba. This is a good shot for surprising the opposition as they will be expecting you to hit the ball with the inside of your foot. As stated in the name of the shot you will be striking the ball with the outside of your foot causing the ball to spin outwards. For this shot you will want to drive the outside of your dominant foot through whichever side of the ball is closest to you. After hitting the ball it should curve through the air spinning rapidly. You will have to practice to get used to the motion of hitting the ball with the outside of your foot. Once you have the striking technique down you will have a shot in your arsenal that will be able to confuse goalies and defenders with ease.

Each one of these shots is very effective if used properly in the correct situation.

A curved/ finesse shot can be used if the goalie comes out and you need to bend it around him, but can also be used to curve around defenders covering the goal. A knuckleball can be used during free kicks or during one on one occasions versus the goalie when speed and unpredictability is effective. Outside the foot, shots can be used when you need to quickly arc the ball the opposite direction that a curved shot would place it at. Keep practicing each shot and eventually, you will have an advanced shooting arsenal that you have perfected to score many goals.