Soccer Training- Shooting- Placement VS Power
When the ball is delivered to your feet in the opposition 18 yard box, the one thing you won't have is time, hesitancy can be costly. To avoid the frustration of the ball being taken from you, you must be decisive. The top goal scorers around the world know what they are going to do with the ball before they get it.One of the biggest problem faced by a attacker when in the opposition box is to go for power or placement.
Going for power?
A well struck shot is almost guaranteed to create problems for your opposition, unless it's off target. Presuming that your shot is on target, a powerful strike can have several benefits:
-The harder the strike the less likely the goalkeeper is going to catch the ball, the keeper may parry the ball bringing a team mate into play.
-It takes a strong hand to divert the ball away from play, the ball may flick the keeper's hand and still go in.
-A powerful shot may hit a defender and take a deflection resulting in a goal or the ball falling into a team mates path.
-A firm shot is less likely to be fully cleared by a defender
Going for placement?
Shooting for a open corner of the goal takes a cool nerve and a good deal of confidence. When a placed shot finds it's intended target the scorer looks every part of a world class striker, but the feeling is the opposite if the ball is to close to the keeper or misses the target. When going for placement it's important that you strike the ball with purpose and have a full follow through, although you can use your instep. Once you have made your decision all you need to do is aim and pass the ball into the corner.
Choose power....
...when the ball may be held up in mud or water.
...when you don't have a clear sight of goal.
...when you are being closed down quickly and have no time to choose your spot
Choose placement....
...when the keeper is out of position
...when the keeper is off his line
...when an unexpected gap appears in the penalty area
In general you should always be aware of opportunities to shoot and be decisive on how you are going to take your chance, either it be a the choice between heading a cross or choosing to volly it. All in all it's up to you as a player during training to work hard to get your self into positions to shoot , and improve your decision making skills when choosing placement or power.