Scoring a goal is one of the most exhilarating moments in football, but it’s also one of the hardest skills to master. Often, players miss out on scoring opportunities because of small but significant mistakes. Here are 8 common errors players make when finishing, and how you can correct them to improve your finishing skills.
1. Picking Your Head Up Too Early
One of the most common mistakes when shooting is picking your head up before you’ve made contact with the ball. When you lift your head, you lose focus on the ball, which can result in poor contact and a wayward shot. The key is to keep your head down, focus on the ball, and ensure solid contact. After you’ve shot, then look up to see where the ball is heading. Let your foot follow through naturally before you worry about where it’s going.
Solution: Keep your head down, maintain focus on the ball, and trust your technique.
2. Hitting the Ball Too Hard
It’s tempting to go for power when you’re in front of goal, but shooting with excessive force often results in a lack of accuracy. Power is important, but it needs to be controlled. Striking the ball too hard can cause it to fly high or wide, missing the target altogether.
Solution: Focus on a clean, controlled strike. Accuracy should be your priority; the power will come naturally with proper technique.
3. Aiming for the Top Corner
Every player dreams of that perfect top-corner finish, but in reality, it’s one of the riskiest shots to attempt. Shooting for the top corner increases your chances of missing the target. Instead, aim for the bottom corners, where goalkeepers often have less reach, and it’s easier to stay accurate.
Solution: Aim low, especially towards the bottom corners. These areas are harder for goalkeepers to cover, giving you a higher chance of scoring.
4. Using the Wrong Technique
There are many different ways to finish in football, from finesse shots to volleys, chips, and power drives. However, players often use the wrong technique for the situation at hand, which can lead to missed chances.
Solution: Practice various finishing techniques and understand the best situation for each. For instance, a chipped shot may be ideal when the goalkeeper rushes out, while a driven shot is better in crowded penalty areas.
5. Ignoring the Goalkeeper’s Momentum
One of the best ways to increase your chances of scoring is by paying attention to the goalkeeper’s momentum. If the keeper is moving in one direction, try to shoot in the opposite direction, making it much harder for them to adjust in time to make a save.
Tip: Always observe the goalkeeper’s body movement before shooting. Shooting against their momentum significantly increases the likelihood of scoring.
6. Taking Shutter Steps Before Shooting
Many players take small, quick steps, or “shutter steps,” before shooting. This can throw off your rhythm, slow down your approach, and reduce the power of your shot. It also gives defenders precious seconds to close you down, making it harder to get a clean shot off.
Solution: Try to stride confidently into your shot, keeping your momentum going. A smooth, fluid approach will give you more power and allow you to shoot more quickly.
7. Shooting Off Balance
Maintaining balance is crucial when shooting. If you’re off balance, it’s harder to generate power and control, and you’re more likely to scuff your shot. This often happens when you’re being closed down by defenders.
Solution: Focus on staying balanced as you shoot. Initiate contact with defenders if needed to create space, but prioritize keeping control over the ball. If you lose balance, aim for accuracy over power.
8. Picking the Wrong Time to Shoot
Sometimes, players are too eager to shoot, even when a teammate is in a better position. Shooting when you’re under pressure, or when there’s a more favorable passing option, can waste a good opportunity for your team.
Solution: Develop your awareness on the pitch and be willing to pass if a teammate has a better chance of scoring. Football is a team game, and the best players know when to pass and when to shoot.