Hi there. I'm new to playing soccer, and I'm having a hard time keeping my shots along the ground. I always pop them up over the crossbar, even when putting my planting foot right next to the ball, or even slightly in front. What can I do to keep them lower? Thanks for helping a really bad soccer player get better (I hope!).
the position of your plant foot is correct, but it doesnt work if you dont keep your body over the ball. Try to lean a little forward.... You may be looking up as you kick the ball.......try and keep your head down until you have followed through with the shot......
yeah, like NCODP said, try not to lean back when shooting. that may be what you're doing. make sure your body is over the ball and that you head is down as well. don't look up until after you've followed through with your shot. also, make sure your ankle is locked and not loose...that could also cause the ball to get air. good luck!
Just echoing what everyone else said: when you shoot over the crossbar, 90% of the time it's because you were leaning backward. I think there's nothing more important when shooting than where you're putting your weight - your center of balance should be as close as possible to even with the ball. If you ever watch professional soccer, pay close attention to the mechanics of players taking mid-to-long-range shots.
"I always pop them up over the crossbar, even when putting my planting foot right next to the ball, or even slightly in front." I would like to know what part of the ball are you hitting? From you discription of a pop up and the position of your plant foot can you be chipping the ball? Are you hitting the ball or sliding your foot under the ball like you do on a chip? Richie
In addition to what others said, I'd suggest watching Paul Scholes if possible. I think he's got one of the best power-shooting techniques in the world. Look how he always keeps his body nicely above the ball and thus almost never hits the ball too high. A lot of players are unable to get themselves quickly into a perfect striking position when kicking a moving/bouncing ball, they usually end up leaning back and aiming for the clouds...
i have a question for you how is soccer in Arizona. Like in the flagstaff area I was thinking of relocating over there once I talk the wife into the move.
There have been ton's of threads about different types of advice, look around, you'll definately learn something. Also check out www.coachmarino.com - you'll find a lot of training tips.
For Richie I'm just getting a handle on the soccer scene in the Phoenix area. I wind up playing with guys who are about 10 times better than I am. I'd like to find a good co-ed kickaround, but I haven't had much luck so far. I'm probably learning more this way, but I hate being the worst one out there! I think Flagstaff may be a bit different. I believe they have a city league there, and Northern Arizona University may have some a league. Overall, it seems like a great place to live. I visit it several times a year for mountain biking and hiking.
If the good guys let you play with them, use your chance and work as hard as you can! You will improve immensely. Learn from them. And work on your own a lot. I feels really great when you play good with much better players and they praise you! Something to look forward to!
always keep your head over the ball, and shoot closer to the top. Not too much at the top, but closer to the top.