How to Perform a Curved Shot? The Most Effective Inside Foot Curling Technique

A curved shot (inside foot curling) is a technique aimed at making the ball follow a curved trajectory. It is commonly used by players with good technical skills, especially when they are close to the opponent’s goal.

Table of Contents

The advantage of the inside foot curl shot is that it can be executed with a light kick, offering high accuracy, and players don’t need to take a run-up. This technique creates a very unpredictable trajectory that can leave the goalkeeper helpless.

However, the drawback is that due to the light kick, the ball travels slower, requiring very high accuracy. If the shot doesn’t land in the goalkeeper’s blind spot, there’s a high chance of the keeper making a save.

Steps to Perform the Inside Foot Curl Shot

#1. Approach the Ball

The approach is aimed at generating force to increase the impact on the ball (the run-up helps the shot become stronger, so not taking one will result in a weaker shot). A run-up helps the ball travel faster, making it easier to score. However, on the field, if there’s no time to take a run-up, the player can perform the curling shot without it. The result is that the shot will lack power, and the ball will fly slower, but this also allows for better timing and an element of surprise.

#2. Planting Foot Movement

The non-dominant foot is typically used as the planting foot. Position your body at an angle of 120-140 degrees to the ball. Then proceed with the run-up and plant your foot.

Note: The planting foot should always be parallel to the ball, positioned about 20-25 cm from it.

#3. Kicking Foot Movement

The kicking foot should swing strongly from back to front to strike the ball. Combine this with a slight forward lean of the body to generate more power and distance.

#4. Arm Position

The arm on the same side as the planting foot should be raised to shoulder height, while the other arm remains free. This arm positioning will help maintain balance after executing the curling shot.

A proper arm position will give more power to the shot.

#5. Contact the Ball with the Inside of the Foot

For the inside foot curling technique, players need to make contact with the inside of their foot. As you strike the ball, use the inside of your foot to “brush” the ball, creating spin. To achieve a higher curling effect, contact the ball along its edge and underside.

#6. Adjust the Ball’s Direction

After brushing the ball, use the toes of your foot to adjust its direction. This step determines the trajectory and accuracy of the inside foot curling shot.

Outside Foot Curling Technique

This technique is employed with a strong force to the ball and is usually done when the player is at a farther distance from the opponent’s goal.

It is hard to perform an outside foot curling shot because the movement is fast and powerful, while perfect accuracy is hard to get. Probably this is the reason why a goal scored in such a way turns out to be emotionally arousing.

World football history still remembers the Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos, who once managed to perform a free kick so curled that it took the shape of a banana from more than 35 meters out, with the power so great that the goalkeeper of France could only see the ball enter the net.

Striking with the Instep

To perform a curved shot with a looping effect, some players use the instep. However, the drawback of this method is that the ball usually doesn’t curl as sharply as when using the outside or inside of the foot.

To strike with the instep, follow these steps:

Choose the Foot: Use the non-dominant foot (planting foot) if you are using the left foot, or the dominant foot if using the right foot. Ensure that the toes are pointing toward the left side of the ball at the contact point.
Shape the Shot: When taking the shot, your foot should follow a curving motion, with the ball directed toward the lower right corner of the goal.
Height: As you strike, make sure your foot follows a curved path, lifting it to a height level with your chest. The contact point of the foot should be slightly to the left of the planting foot, also known as a crossed leg position.

=> Read more: Where Is Neil Etheridge Now? A Look at the Filipino Football Star’s Current Journey

Why You Should Learn to Perform a Curling Shot

A curling shot is one of the most popular and effective football techniques, and there are several reasons why you should learn how to execute it:

Ability to Score from Long Distances: A curling shot allows you to score from a distance, even when you don’t have a perfect angle on the opponent’s goal. This makes you a dangerous player from long distances away from the goal.
Element of Surprise: When you use the curling shot technique, opponents often find it difficult to predict the direction and trajectory of the ball. This makes you an unpredictable player and hard to defend against.
Effectiveness from Difficult Positions: The curling shot allows you to take quality shots from challenging positions, such as outside the penalty area or near the sideline. This expands your ability to create goal-scoring opportunities from tough situations.
Scoring Beautiful Goals: Successful curling shots often result in spectacular goals with unique curves or spins. This not only helps your team score but also makes you a hero on the field.

How to Execute a Curling Shot

To successfully perform the “curling shot” technique, follow these steps:

Run-Up: Start by running in a slightly straight line, facing the ball. Your path should be slightly angled away from the goal you’re targeting. The goal is to make the ball follow an outward curve and get past the goalkeeper’s reach.
Planting Foot Position: Position your planting foot slightly away from the target goal. This helps the ball travel along the correct trajectory, out of the goalkeeper’s reflex range.
Shooting Position: The ideal position for a curling shot requires a slight forward lean. Your body weight should be on your planting leg, with your knee slightly bent. Then, swing your kicking foot in a curved motion, cutting across the planting leg to create spin on the ball. Use the power from your leg to give the ball speed.
Ball Contact Point: Try to curl the inside of your foot from the outside in, moving from below to above the ball to create spin and control its flight path.

=> Read more: Best Baseball MLB Betting Strategies for 2024.

Important Tips When Performing a Curling Shot in Football

When executing a curling shot on the field, players should follow these principles:

Master the Technique: To successfully perform curling shots, players need to master the technique. For example, the position of the planting foot, the direction of the toes, body posture, and lean must all be accurately adjusted. If any of these elements are off, the ball’s trajectory may be inaccurate.
Flexibility and Ball Control: The player must have flexibility in their movements and good feel for the ball. This helps them adjust the shot precisely according to the specific situation.
Stay Mentally Relaxed: Players should not feel too tense when executing the curling shot to avoid making mistakes in decision-making or technique. Being mentally relaxed and focused will help them execute the shot accurately and effectively.

Through this article, SuperPH has explained the concept of the curling shot technique and how to perform it correctly. Although it’s a challenging technique, with patience and regular practice, you can master it. Keep practicing and score many beautiful goals!