Home

 

This writing assignment was completed in English 212: Technical Communication.  Its purpose was to write a set of instructions of a task or procedure I am familiar with.  The instructions were to be for readers that have little knowledge of the topic.

 

 

Soccer has rapidly become one of the most popular sports in the world. Since more and more people have become interested in playing soccer, the need for teaching proper techniques is most crucial. These instructions give a step-by-step process on how to properly shoot a soccer ball. Players who do not know the proper technique for shooting a soccer ball should use these instructions to aid in goal scoring. No previous knowledge of the skills required is necessary to follow these instructions.  All proper materials are listed and shown.

 

 

 

 

WARNING!  

 

 

 

*Note:   These instructions are for players shooting with their right foot. 

  For those who shoot with their left foot, be sure to switch feet

  in each step.

 

 

Materials Needed:

 

1.  Soccer Cleats: The bottom of the shoe

should not have a cleat at the tip of the

toe, if it does, the shoe is a baseball cleat

and is illegal to play soccer in. (See Figure 1) 

 

 

2.  Shin guards:  These come in various

sizes and should cover most of the leg          

so that the shin bone is well protected. 

Ankle protectors are recommended for

further protection. (See Figure 2)

 

 

 

 

 

3.  Soccer Ball:  A size 5 ball is appropriate

for ages 11 and up. It should be inflated to 6-8 lbs.

(See Figure 3)

 

  *Note:     If the ball is not inflated to the

                     proper weight the player will not

be able to maximize his/her distance when shooting.

 

 

Step 1: Approach

 

The first step to shooting a soccer ball is the approach. 

After practicing the approach a few times the player

should be able to fluidly and quickly go through the motion.

 

1. Begin two paces behind the ball and one half pace

to the right. (See Figure 4)

 

2.  When approaching, step first with the right foot.

3.  The left foot should land directly to the left of the ball,

            roughly 2 to 3 inches. (See Figure 5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 2: Aim

 

After approaching the ball, the player is ready to shoot. 

Aiming the ball depends solely on the positioning of the left foot. 

 

 

If the toe of the left foot is pointing              Likewise, if the left foot is

slightly to the left, the ball will also              pointing slightly to the right, the

roll slightly to the left. (See Figure 6)          ball will roll slightly to the right.                                                                                       (See Figure 7)          

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

  *Note:    Exceptions to this rule do exist but they are more advanced

                    and will not be applicable for the beginning soccer player.

 

Step 3: Leaning

 

To control how high or low a shot will fly the player must lean a certain direction. 

                     

If the player leans slightly forward                   However, if the player leans

over top of the ball, the ball will                       back, the ball will soar high.

remain on the ground, or very low to                (See Figure 9)

the ground. (See Figure 8) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Step 4: Contact with the Ball

 

When shooting a soccer ball, the player’s goal is to make contact on the ball with the top of the right foot. (See Figure 10) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

WARNING!  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Note:     Making contact with the inside or outside of the foot will cause                         curving in the shot.  This technique is practiced in intermediate levels of

        soccer but will not be covered at the beginner’s level.

 

 

Step 5: Follow-through

 

Follow-through is a crucial aspect of shooting. By following this step,

players will be able to capitalize on the power of their shot.

 

After the right foot has made contact with the ball,

the player should maintain momentum by still going

through the shooting motion and extending the right leg to

almost a 90° angle. (See Figure 12)    

 

WARNING! 

 

 

 

 

Troubleshooting Guide:

 

Problem	Solution
Is the ball curving to the right or left too much?	This can be caused by the way the player is making contact with the ball.  If the shooter is striking the ball with the inside of the foot, the ball will curve to the left. However if the shooter is striking the ball with the outside of the foot, the ball will curve to the right.
Having problems with the ball soaring too high or too low?	This problem may also be caused by the way the shooter is making contact with the ball.  If the ball is sailing very high with low velocity the toe is getting underneath of the ball and causing a scooping motion.  However, if the ball stays low to the ground but the shooter is leaning back, the shooter may be making contact too high on the ball causing it to sail low.

 

Contact Information:

 

Annaliese Scheel                      

(989) 345-4808

4645 Elm Drive

West Branch, MI 48661

 

For More Information:

 

Check Out! http://www.sweetspotsoccer.com/soccerskills/shooting.html