Do you think scoring goals is a skill? Can you get better at scoring goals? The answer to both of these questions is yes!
Finishing is a crucial football skill that impacts the outcome of each match. It refers to the ability to score goals and convert goal-scoring opportunities successfully.
GOAL SCORING / FINISHING
The ultimate objective of any football match is to score goals. The team with superior finishing skills has a greater chance of capitalizing on goal-scoring opportunities and securing victories. Having players who can consistently find the back of the net is an invaluable asset for any team.
Football matches are often decided by slim goal margins. A missed opportunity to finish can mean the difference between a win, a draw, or a loss. Good finishing skills can turn a close match into a decisive victory and give the team a competitive advantage.
Scoring goals can also have a positive effect on team morale, helping to motivate players and instill confidence. When a player scores, it not only provides a tangible result but also energizes the team, creating a positive atmosphere and driving them to perform at their best. This is especially true at the youth level.
Offensive players, meaning strikers wingers, attacking midfielders with excellent finishing skills often gain a reputation for being reliable goal-scorers. This reputation can attract attention from fans, sponsors, and even other teams. A player with a knack for finishing can become the face of the team and enhance their marketability.
Teams that possess strong finishing skills have the ability to dictate the course of a match. Their opponents may be forced to alter their defensive strategies, opening up space in other areas of the pitch. This can give the attacking team more opportunities to create scoring chances and exploit their opponent's defensive weaknesses.
It's important to note that finishing is not limited to just strikers or forward players. Midfielders and defenders with good finishing ability can also contribute to the team's success by scoring important goals or making precise passes leading to goals. Mastering the art of finishing takes training, technique, and a cool head under pressure, but it can significantly impact a team's performance on the football pitch.
GOAL SCORING IS A TRAINABLE SKILL
Goal scoring is definitely a skill that can be improved with training, dedication, and the right training. While some players may have a natural instinct for scoring goals, developing this skill requires specific techniques and a deep understanding of the match. Here are some of the ways goal scoring can be improved:Practicing and refining the shooting technique is crucial for increasing goal-scoring efficiency. Proper technique involves a combination of factors like body positioning, foot placement, balance, and striking the ball with the right part of the foot. Regular training sessions focused on shooting drills can help players develop a more accurate and powerful shot.
Goal scoring often relies on making quick decisions under pressure. Players need to assess situations, identify open spaces, and choose the best options to achieve success. Improving decision-making skills through tactical training and match simulations can help players make better choices when presented with goal-scoring opportunities.
Effective goal scoring requires not just shooting ability but also intelligent movement off the ball. Players need to create space, make runs, and position themselves strategically to capitalize on scoring chances. Developing an understanding of timing, positioning, and movement patterns can greatly enhance goal-scoring abilities.
Goal scoring involves a strong mental aspect, including confidence, focus, and composure. Players who can maintain a composed mindset, even in high-pressure situations, are more likely to make successful goal-scoring efforts. Mental training techniques such as visualization, positive self-talk, and controlling emotions can help players improve their mental resilience and goal-scoring mindset.
Remember that improving goal-scoring skills takes time, patience, and consistent effort. With proper training, guidance, and a growth mindset, players can enhance their ability to score goals and have a significant impact on their team's success.
THE BEST TOOLS TO HELP YOU SCORE MORE GOALS
Having confidence in your goal scoring abilities is the utmost important. This happens when you have sufficient time practicing your finishing skills.
Football target nets are some of the the most useful tools to help athletes improve their goal-scoring abilities. The target nets that I recommend come from a company called QUICKPLAY. They offer a variety of target net solutions to assist in scoring more goals.
Target nets, rings and markers can help with accuracy training. These provide designated areas or targets that players aim for to improve their accuracy. By repeatedly shooting at these targets, players can develop their ability to hit specific parts of the net consistently and with confidence. This precision can be crucial during match situations, as hitting the target area increases the chances of scoring.
The more a player trainings shooting on target, the more their muscles adapt and develop muscle memory. Muscle memory allows players to reproduce specific movements without conscious thought, making their shots more instinctive and accurate. This is one skill that separates the greats from everybody else. Regularly utilizing a football target net helps fine-tune the shooting technique and build the necessary muscle memory for successful goal-scoring.
QUICKPLAY has also developed football target nets that can simulate different scenarios that players encounter on the pitch. The Target Net Pro was designed and supported by data from the English premier league. For ten years every on goal was tracked. The corner scoring zones were created to match the areas proven to beat the world’s best keepers. Basing the design on the data has proven to improve players ability to score goals with less shots and improve efficiency and composure in front of the goal. Accuracy is improved and placement of the ball has proven to be equally if not more important than power. The QUICKPLAY Target Net Pro has improved players composure and accuracy in training by helping players identify the target faster, once the net is removed the target does not change. The athlete is still lifting their head, recognizing the target and finishing with a higher percentage of success after just a few sessions with the Target Net Pro.
These uniquely designed nets also assist athletes with mental focus and visualization. Shooting at these football target nets require focus, concentration and clear visualization of the desired outcome. Athletes can use the targets as a mental focal point, helping them visualize scoring goals during training sessions. This mental preparation can enhance confidence and composure in real- match situations, increasing the likelihood of successfully finishing goal-scoring opportunities.
The SMART TARGET NET and TARGET NET PRO powered by BLAZEPOD are super effective for incorporating variables like distance, angles, and time constraints, athletes can improve their decision-making abilities and reaction times. This SMART training helps players develop the capacity to make quick, effective decisions in high-pressure situations during matches.
Incorporating the QUICKPLAY Football Target Nets, Rings and Smart Training Accessories into training sessions provides a structured and measurable way to focus on developing finishing skills. Combined with proper managing and training, it can significantly enhance an athlete's goal-scoring abilities on the football pitch.
-- Manager Cummings
Michael Cummings
www.coach-cummings.com
"Michael Cummings is a strength and conditioning coach in San Diego, CA. For more than 20 years he has coached Olympic and professional athletes to youth athletes. He is also a certified Rehabilitation Specialist and Brain Trainer. He is passionate about upgrading the performance of all athletes."