How to Create Space for a Rocket Shot
- aaronptighe
- Nov 9
- 2 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
(Goal is 50 seconds into the video)
What a cracking goal by Arsenal's Leandro Trossard for Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Watch how he uses brilliant control of the ball, with body and leg movement, to shake the defender before unleashing an absolute rocket of a shot. This ability to create space to shoot is a fantastic 1v1 skill that, if you can master it, will make you stand out on the pitch. For coaching purposes, on how you think in that situation, here's a fun first-person view as if you are the player.
First-Person View
We have them pinned in their box. With everyone holding their positions on the edge, I need to work a position for a cross. Twenty yards out, inside channel, can I dribble the ball diagonally out wide and outpace the defender Sadiki, who's sticking with me, jockeying? He's staying tight. Slow down, try an inside right-foot leg-over to take him left and flick the ball right. No, it didn’t work — he's still tight. Keep the ball between my feet, body over the ball for max balance.
We're at the edge of the box now. Try the move again, but this time hop across to the left with the right foot moving behind the ball. Keep distance between my feet. Bingo! He's shifted his weight to go with me to my left. OK, bounce back to the right and push the ball across the box to the right with the outside right foot. First touch is too short — push the ball again. Yes! There's space for a shot.
Quickly, before I'm closed down, shuffle feet to get the left foot next to the ball. There are too many bodies to the right blocking the goal, so aim for near post; laces connection, toe down, and STRIKE! Boom! The ball flies — it has no spin — I've caught it sweet, straight through the centre of the ball. It launches, hits the top corner of the net. What a goal! A rocket.
One2Pro:
The use of video with a coach review is fantastic for honing skills and performance. In our One2Pro online coaching app, "Techniques of the Stars" are broken down step-by-step for players to follow and practice.
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Be the One!
Aaron Tighe
Founder, One2Pro
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