LevelUp.soccer
    intermediate
    premium
    Practice 15-20 minutes
    Distribution
    Passing
    7v7
    11v11

    Goal Kick Technique

    Master striking dead balls from the 6-yard box with power and accuracy.

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    How to record this drill

    Record 30–45 seconds showing 7–10 actions. This is the scoring clip, not the full 15-20 minutes practice session.

    Side-on from the kicking foot side, camera eye level (~5–6 ft off the ground), 15–20 yards back — approach, plant foot, ball-strike, and initial ball flight all visible.

    Objective

    Strike a dead ball from the 6-yard box with consistent technique, distance, and accuracy.

    Setup

    Goal, gloves, ball on the 6-yard line, target cones at 30, 40, 50 yards.

    Instructions
    1. Place ball on 6-yard line
    2. Take 3-4 step approach at slight angle
    3. Place the plant foot approximately 12 inches beside the ball, adjusting for the goalkeeper's body size and kicking mechanics. Point the plant foot toward the intended target.
    4. Strike through the lower half of the ball with the hard upper surface of the foot near the base of the big toe. Use the laces and a full follow-through to create controlled lift.
    5. Follow through high for lofted kicks
    6. Practice hitting targets at 30, 40, 50 yards
    What good looks like
    • Plant foot approximately 12 inches beside the ball, adjusted as needed, and pointed toward the target.
    • Laces strike through the lower half of the ball using the hard upper surface of the foot.
    • Technique, direction, and repeatable contact remain consistent before additional power is introduced.
    • Ball lands in the intended target zone consistently.
    Common mistakes
    • Plant foot too close to the ball — slicing the strike
    • Toe-poking instead of laces
    • Leaning back, ball balloons short
    • Ignoring the target — just hitting it long
    Equipment
    Gloves
    Goal
    5-10 balls
    Target cones
    Position fit
    Goalkeeper
    Progressions
    How to make this drill harder as the player improves.

    Foundation

    Level 1

    Driven kick to a stationary target at 30 yards, 6 of 10.

    Form

    Level 2

    Lofted kick to a target at 40 yards, 5 of 10.

    Tempo

    Level 3

    Kick to a moving teammate at 35 yards, 5 of 10.

    Pressure

    Level 4

    Mix driven and lofted kicks on a coach call.

    Match Rhythm

    Level 5

    Kick under time pressure (5 seconds from setup).

    Mastery

    Level 6

    Kick into a contested zone with attackers pressing.

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