How to Increase Soccer Goal Scoring

A. Why Your Soccer Team Isn't Scoring More Goals and What You Can Do About It

  1. If you aren't scoring many goals, it is due to one of two reasons:

    1. You either aren't getting enough shots on goal or

    2. You are getting shots but they aren't scoring.

  2. If the problem is No. 1, ask yourself these questions:

    1. Are you getting enough players into shooting range (i.e., into the Penalty Box)?

    2. Are your players "crossing" or "centering" the ball into the Penalty Box to create scoring opportunities?

    3. Do you have someone off the far post? You will get 3 or 4 opportunities per game if you have an attacker (a F or MF) play off the Far Post.

    4. Do you teach the concepts of "First Attacker", "Second Attacker", and "Third Attacker"? (The First Attacker must have support).

  3. If the problem is No. 2, ask yourself these questions:

    1. Are shots from too far out? (It is tough to score with long shots against a good, tall goal keeper, but shooting at the top of the goal can be a good tactic against a short goalie and can create opportunities off rebounds).

    2. If close in, are shots low and to the corner?

    3. Do your players follow the shot for rebounds?

  4. Consider the style and type of attack you use and whether it is effective. Consider:

    1. The Style and Pace of Your Attack -- Is it a "Direct" or "Indirect / Possession Style" attack?

    2. The Direction of Your Attack -- Is it from the Front (Frontal) or from the side (Wing)?

    3. The Width of Your Attack -- Is it "Narrow" or "Wide"? (Too narrow is bad but too wide can be ineffective if players are too far from the ball).

    You should use a style and type of attack that is realistic and will allow your team to be successful. For example, most Rec teams can be more successful using a "Direct" attack than an "Indirect / Possession Style" attack.

    Every team should avoid an attack that is too "Narrow" because it is too easy to defend. Adding "width" can greatly help some attacks. (A "Narrow" attack is when attackers are too close together. An example of a "wide" attack would be to have the First Attacker (e.g., the Right Forward) on the right side, the Center Forward out from the Near Post and the Left Forward out from the Far Post).

    The type of attack that is most effective also depends on the circumstances. For example, against a good, quick goalie, a "wing" attack which crosses the ball from the side to the center will be more effective than a "frontal" attack. This is because it is more difficult to defend. A "wing" attack is an excellent option if your team is capable of executing it.

  5. Consider the Formation you use and whether a different one would work better. (See "Formations").

    1. Are you able to clear the ball off your end of the field? ("your end" is the end your Goalie is in and is called your Defensive Third)

    2. Are you able to move the ball into the Attacking Third?