Special Olympics Football Coaches Quick Start Guide Shooting Teaching Shooting 1. When shooting, approach the ball slightly from the side, not straight on. This allows the foot to make a more natural and effective strike on the ball. 2. Place the non-kicking foot at the side of the ball. 3. Swing the kicking foot backward with a bent knee. 4. Keep your eye on the ball and head still. 5. Swing the kicking foot forward with knee pointing down. 6. Kicking foot follows the ball as the knee straightens. Following through with the kicking leg guides the ball into the corner of the net, the direction the foot and leg are pointed. Coaching Tips Most goals are scored from the side of the goals, because the middle is usually well defended; therefore, it is more beneficial to teach players to shoot at an angle. It is important to teach shooting in the correct size goals. It is harder for a goalkeeper to save a low shot. When a ball is in the air, the goalkeeper can pick up the flight of the ball. Low shots can also be deflected or change direction by hitting bumps on the field. Always aim for the far post when shooting at an angle. This increases the chance of a secondary opportunity. When shooting, accuracy is more important than power. To shoot low, it is effective to hit the ball with the laces of the shoe. 48 Football Quick Start Guide – September 2004