The young players most likely enjoy the game of soccer when they are continuously scoring goals. In designing the practice schedule, include such youth soccer drills that have many opportunities for them to score goals.
Let them take advantage of all opportunities during small sided games, full field scrimmages, and shooting drills. In order to encourage players to score goals, try to introduce variations in small sided games and full field scrimmages in performing kids soccer drills.
Another option is to incorporate games that can do without a goalkeeper or where his movement can be limited to a given area. With a view to boost the chances of increasing the number of goals scored, add more goals or expand the ones that are already in use.
The chances of improved goal scoring can be experienced when the young players become experts in shooting techniques and its strategic knowledge. As is with passing skills, shooting techniques should also be taught to players at the beginner’s stage. And then during the later stages of his development, these skills can be highlighted more.
In youth soccer practice, one of the most effective ways to improve shooting skills is through using drills. Shooting drills play a major role in effectively scoring goals by way of developing shooting skills of the players. Still, a player’s shooting skills are best developed step by step.
Following series can be incorporated in youth soccer drills to make them suitable for developing player’s shooting drills;
1. A stationery player kicking a stationery ball.
2. A moving player shooting a still ball.
3. A static player shooting a moving ball.
4. Moving ball being shot by a moving player.
It should be an imperative part of youth soccer coaching to help the players hit the ball effectively while shooting. Majority of the players take the shots using the inside of their feet. The leads to enhancement in the shooting abilities.
Where the situation is such that strength is required to hit the ball, teach the players to use the instep of their foot to strike the ball. Their toes should point downwards and the ankles must be locked.
Elevation of the shoot is also affected by the placement of the non-kicking foot. Ask the players to put their non-kicking foot a little ahead of the ball. This will keep the shot low. Make sure that the players are focused on striking the ball. Getting rid of all the distracting elements helps them focus better.
As shooting techniques improve, keep on adding to the level of difficulty in the practice games. Take for example, when their shooting improves, make them work with balls at different speeds and levels.
Now get out there and include a lot of shooting exercises in your youth soccer drills for the practice sessions.
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