Scoring opportunities present themselves fromm all areas of the field. Clearly, if you can make a run into the box a take a shot close to goal that is an efficient way to score. However, scoring opportunities may present themselves from positions further from the goal with power shots . Power shooting can be effective, but players need to be smart and aggressive. While it is good to exercise patience, work the ball and make runs, a well executed power shot can score from distance. Players need to be on the alert for these opportunities and be ready to shoot aggressively. Sometimes the keeper is caught off guard and goals are scored directly. Other times the keeper may miss handle the power shot and the ball can be put back into the net.
In the clip below professional coach Jim Giligan demonstrates a Power Shooting Game he uses to help make his players more aggressive and to look for opportunities to get shots on goal from distance. The clip is from World Class Coaching. For more great coaching tools clock on the link above or visit the World Class Coaching YouTube Channel for more videos like the one below.
The YouTube Video has sound, so please make sure that your sound is turned on and that you have access to the site. (Some schools block access to YouTube)
This game is played on a shortened field of approximately 35-40 yards. Each team has six players and a keeper. The game is played 4v2 in each half of the field and players cannot cross the halfway line. The 4 offensive players must work the ball to near the halfway line and take the first available power shot.
If the keeper secures the ball, she will play in to one of her 4 offensive players who will try to move the ball verses the 2 defenders and shoot aggressively from beyond the halfway line.
If the keeper is unable to secure the ball the 2 defensive players in that end can attempt to strike the ball for a goal.
The key to the game is to get players to be aggressive and strike the ball with power at the first available opportunity.