One On One Finishing: Tips And Tricks For Soccer Scoring Success

In soccer, one-on-one situations between a striker and the goalkeeper are crucial moments that can determine the outcome of a game.

Mastering the art of finishing in these scenarios can elevate a player’s game and turn potential opportunities into goals.

This guide delves into effective tips and tricks for one-on-one finishing, offering insights that will enhance your scoring capabilities and help you make the most of these critical moments on the field.

Understanding the One-on-One Situation

What is a One-on-One Situation?

A one-on-one situation occurs when an attacker finds themselves facing only the goalkeeper, with no other defenders in the way.

This often results from a well-executed pass, a breakaway, or a defensive mistake.

The attacker’s goal is to beat the goalkeeper and score, while the goalkeeper aims to close down the angle and make a save.

The Importance of One-on-One Finishing

Scoring in one-on-one situations is essential for a team’s success.

These moments can be game-changers, and converting them into goals often reflects a player’s composure, skill, and ability to perform under pressure.

Tips and Tricks for One-on-One Finishing

1. Stay Calm and Composed

Mental Preparation

• Focus: Keep your focus on the ball and the goalkeeper. Avoid being distracted by the pressure of the situation.
• Breathing: Take deep breaths to calm your nerves and maintain a steady mindset.

Decision-Making

• Evaluate Options: Quickly assess whether to shoot, dribble, or take another approach based on the goalkeeper’s position and movement.
• Trust Your Instincts: Rely on your training and instincts to make the best decision in the moment.

2. Improve Your Timing and Positioning

Timing the Shot

• Wait for the Right Moment: Delay your shot until the goalkeeper commits or leaves an opening. This helps in choosing the best option for scoring.
• Use Feints: Employ body feints to make the goalkeeper move and create space for a shot.

Positioning Yourself

• Angle of Approach: Approach the ball at an angle to open up more shooting options and make it harder for the goalkeeper to predict your move.
• Body Position: Keep your body balanced and low to ensure better control and accuracy.

3. Master the Art of Dribbling and Close Control

Dribbling Techniques

• Close Dribbling: Use quick, short touches to maintain control while approaching the goalkeeper.
• Change of Pace: Use sudden bursts of speed or deceleration to throw off the goalkeeper and create space.

Close Control

• Ball Manipulation: Practice keeping the ball close to your feet to maintain control and adjust quickly to the goalkeeper’s movements.
• Body Movement: Use your body to shield the ball and make it difficult for the goalkeeper to reach.

4. Use the Right Finishing Techniques

Types of Finishes

Placement Shots:

• Benefits: Placement shots are aimed at specific areas of the goal, typically targeting the corners. These shots are effective because they rely on precision rather than power, increasing the chances of beating the goalkeeper by placing the ball out of their reach.
• Drawbacks: While placement shots can be highly accurate, they might lack the power needed to score if the goalkeeper is well-positioned or if the ball is too close to them. Precision is crucial, and even a small error in aiming can lead to a missed opportunity.
• When to Use: Placement shots are ideal when you have time to line up your shot and are facing a goalkeeper who is out of position. They are also useful in one-on-one situations where aiming for the corners can outsmart the keeper.

Power Shots:

• Benefits: Power shots rely on sheer force to beat the goalkeeper, making it difficult for them to react quickly enough to block the ball. These shots are particularly useful from long distances or when you need to break through a crowded defense.
• Drawbacks: The main drawback is that power shots often lack precision. A powerful shot that is off-target can easily miss the goal or be deflected by defenders. Additionally, power shots require a strong, well-timed strike, which can be challenging under pressure.
• When to Use: Power shots are effective when you have space and time to take a strong, decisive strike. They are useful for long-range attempts or when you need to force a goal despite tight marking.

Chips:

• Benefits: Chips involve lifting the ball over the goalkeeper into the net. This technique can be highly effective when the goalkeeper is rushing out or positioned too close to the goal. Chips are also useful for creating a graceful and aesthetically pleasing finish.
• Drawbacks: Chips require precise timing and technique. If the chip is too short, it may be easily caught by the goalkeeper, and if it’s too high, it might sail over the bar. Additionally, chips can be difficult to execute under pressure.
• When to Use: Chips are best used when the goalkeeper is advancing towards you, and you need to lift the ball over their head. They are also useful when you want to surprise the goalkeeper with a delicate finish.

First-Time Shots:

• Benefits: First-time shots involve striking the ball immediately upon receiving it, without taking a touch. This technique is effective for quick, instinctive finishing and can catch the goalkeeper off guard.
• Drawbacks: The challenge with first-time shots is that they require excellent timing and precision. A poorly executed first-time shot can result in a miss or an easy save for the goalkeeper.
• When to Use: First-time shots are ideal when you receive a pass in a good position and want to take advantage of the opportunity quickly. They are useful in fast-paced situations where taking an extra touch is not feasible.

Finishing with Both Feet

Importance of Ambidexterity:

• Benefits: Being able to shoot with both feet is a valuable skill that adds versatility to your finishing abilities. It allows you to be more unpredictable and adapt to different situations on the field. For instance, if the ball is coming to your weaker foot, you can still execute a proficient shot rather than relying solely on your dominant foot.
• Drawbacks: Mastering both feet requires dedicated practice and can be challenging for players who have a strong preference for one foot. It also requires good balance and coordination to execute effective shots with both feet.
• Practice Tips: Regularly practice shooting with both feet during training sessions. Start by focusing on technique and gradually increase the difficulty by incorporating game-like scenarios. Use drills that emphasize footwork and shooting accuracy with both feet to develop proficiency.

Techniques for Both Feet:

• Dominant Foot: Your dominant foot should be your primary foot for shooting, as it typically provides more power and accuracy. Focus on perfecting your technique with this foot to ensure reliable finishes in key moments.
• Weaker Foot: Work on improving your weaker foot by practicing various types of finishes, including placement shots, power shots, and chips. Pay attention to your foot positioning and balance to enhance the effectiveness of your weaker foot.

Practical Application:

• Game Situations: In a game, having the ability to finish with both feet increases your scoring opportunities. For example, if you are in a position where the ball comes to your weaker foot, you can still make an effective shot rather than trying to awkwardly adjust your position.
• Training Drills: Incorporate drills that simulate game scenarios where you use both feet to finish. For example, set up drills where you receive passes from different angles and must shoot with both feet. This helps build muscle memory and improves your overall finishing ability.

5. Practice with Purpose

Drills for One-on-One Situations

• Repetition: Repeatedly practice one-on-one drills to build confidence and improve decision-making under pressure.
• Simulated Scenarios: Create game-like scenarios in training to replicate the pressure of real one-on-one situations.

Working with Coaches

• Feedback: Seek feedback from coaches to identify areas for improvement and refine your technique.
• Video Analysis: Review footage of your one-on-one situations to analyze your performance and make necessary adjustments.

Conclusion

Mastering one-on-one finishing is a crucial skill for soccer players looking to enhance their scoring abilities.

By staying calm, improving your timing and positioning, mastering dribbling and close control, using the right finishing techniques, and practicing with purpose, you can significantly increase your chances of scoring in these pivotal moments.

Incorporate these tips and tricks into your training regimen, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more effective and confident attacker on the field.

Remember, the key to success in one-on-one finishing is a combination of mental preparation, technical skill, and consistent practice.

I would like to hear from you your comments and experience with one-on-one finishing. Please leave a message in the comment box below.

Happy training !!!!!!!

Happy scoring!!!!!!!!!