If you are an avid soccer player or just starting out, there are essential skills you need to master on the field. One of these crucial skills is the art of the volley. A volley shot is when you make contact with the ball in the air, sending it in a direction of your choosing. It requires a different set of techniques and body positioning than regular shots on the ground. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the basics of soccer, as well as different types of shots and techniques for volleys. We’ll also touch on some of the most famous volleys in soccer history and how to train to improve your volley skills. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced soccer player, this post will provide valuable insights on mastering the volley.
Soccer Basics
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of fans and players worldwide. It is also known as football, and it is a game that involves two teams of eleven players each, trying to score goals by kicking a ball into the opposing team’s net. The basic skills involved in soccer include dribbling, passing, shooting, and defending.
Dribbling is the technique of moving the ball with short touches while running with it. It is important to keep the ball close to the body and use both feet to dribble. Passing is the act of giving the ball to a teammate, and it requires good communication and teamwork. Different types of passes include short passes, long passes, and through passes.
| Type of Shots | Description |
|---|---|
| Ground shot | A shot that stays close to the ground, usually used to score when the goalkeeper is diving or out of position. |
| Chip shot | A shot that is lifted over the goalkeeper, usually used to score when the goalkeeper is close to the goal or rushing out to block the shot. |
| Header | A shot that is made with the head, usually used to score from crosses, corners, or free kicks. |
Shooting involves striking the ball towards the opponent’s goal to score a goal. The types of shots include ground shots, chip shots, and headers. Ground shots are shots that stay close to the ground, usually used when the goalkeeper is diving or out of position. Chip shots are shots that are lifted over the goalkeeper, usually used to score when the goalkeeper is close to the goal or rushing out to block the shot. Headers are shots that are made with the head, usually used to score from crosses, corners, or free kicks.
Defending is the act of preventing the opposing team from scoring a goal. It involves intercepting passes, tackling, and blocking shots. Good defenders need to have good positioning, speed, and timing. They also need to work well with their teammates and communicate effectively to prevent the opponents from scoring.
These are just the basics of soccer, and mastering them is the first step to becoming a great soccer player. With practice and dedication, anyone can improve their soccer skills and enjoy the game to the fullest.
Types of Shots
When it comes to scoring goals in soccer, the right type of shot can make all the difference. There are various types of shots that can be used depending on the player’s position on the field and the distance from the goal.
The most common type of shot is the instep or inside of the foot shot. This shot provides accuracy and power and is usually used when the player is in a good position and close to the goal. Another shot that requires precision is the chip or lob shot which is used to lift the ball over the goalkeeper’s head when they are out of position.
The swerve or curl shot is another popular option for players who want to add some spin to the ball. This shot is executed by striking the ball with the outside of the foot and bending it towards the goalpost. It can be difficult to master, but when executed correctly, it can be a game-changer.
| Types of Shots | Description |
|---|---|
| Instep or Inside of the Foot Shot | The most common shot in soccer. Provides accuracy and power. |
| Chip or Lob Shot | Used to lift the ball over the goalkeeper’s head when they are out of position. |
| Swerve or Curl Shot | Striking the ball with the outside of the foot and bending it towards the goalpost. |
Other types of shots include the volleys, half volleys, and headers. Volley shots are taken by striking the ball out of the air before it touches the ground. Half volleys are taken by striking the ball just as it bounces off the ground. Finally, headers are taken by using the forehead to redirect the ball towards the goalpost.
Knowing the different types of shots can help players improve their scoring abilities and become a more versatile player on the field.
Volley Technique
Volley Technique
The volley is an important skill to have in soccer. It’s a type of shot where the player kicks the ball in mid-air without letting it touch the ground. Mastering this skill can help a player score goals from unexpected angles and positions. But how do you execute a perfect volley? Let’s take a look at some volley techniques:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Body position | Position your body sideways towards the ball and keep your knees slightly bent. This will help you balance your weight and generate power. |
| Timing | Time your shot so that you hit the ball at the highest point of its trajectory. This will give you more control and accuracy. |
| Contact point | Hit the ball with the middle part of your foot, not the toes or the heel. Aim for the center of the ball and follow through with your kicking leg. |
Remember to keep your eyes on the ball and maintain your balance throughout the shot. Practice these techniques and soon enough, you’ll be able to execute a perfect volley just like the pros!
Famous Volley Goals
When it comes to soccer, goals are what get the crowd on their feet. And when that goal is a volley, it’s even more impressive. Volleys require a lot of skill and technique, making them harder to execute compared to regular shots. It’s no surprise that some of the most famous goals in soccer history have been volleys. Here are a few of them:
| Player | Team | Opponent | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zlatan Ibrahimovic | Sweden | England | November 14, 2012 |
| Gareth Bale | Tottenham Hotspur | Liverpool | December 15, 2012 |
| Marco Van Basten | Netherlands | Soviet Union | June 25, 1988 |
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s bicycle-kick goal against England in 2012 is perhaps one of the most famous goals of all time. The technique, skill, and timing required to execute such a goal is beyond belief. And yet, Ibrahimovic made it look easy.
Gareth Bale’s volley against Liverpool in 2012 is another one for the history books. The Welshman scored an incredible goal after a long lofted pass from the midfield. He controlled the ball with his chest, spun around, and unleashed a stunning volley to score.
Finally, there’s Marco Van Basten’s volley in the 1988 European Football Championship final. The ball came in from the right side of the field, and Van Basten met it with an acrobatic strike that sent it curling into the far corner of the net. The goal was so impressive that even the Soviet Union players applauded it.
Training Volley Skills
Training volley skills is an essential part of becoming a successful soccer player. The volleyball technique requires coordination, timing, and precision that can be developed through regular practice and training.
There are several training drills that can help you improve your volley skills. One popular drill is the two-touch volley. This drill involves two players passing the ball back and forth using only their volleys. This drill helps improve timing, coordination, and accuracy.
| Training Drill | Purpose |
|---|---|
| One-Touch Volley | To improve reaction time and first-touch control. |
| Wall Volley | To improve accuracy and power. |
| Three-Person Volley | To improve communication, teamwork, and volley accuracy. |
Another training drill that can help improve your volley skills is the wall volley. This drill involves kicking the ball against a wall and receiving it with your volley. This drill helps improve power and accuracy of your volleys.
The three-person volley drill is also an effective training method. This drill involves three players standing in a triangle and passing the ball to each other using only volleys. This drill improves communication, teamwork, and volley accuracy.
In conclusion, training your volley skills is crucial to becoming a successful soccer player. Incorporating these drills into your training regimen will help improve your timing, coordination, accuracy, power, and teamwork. With consistent practice, you can develop a strong and effective volley technique that will give you an edge on the field.