How to Curve a Soccer Ball

When watching the world's biggest soccer stars shoot, like Cristiano Ronaldo, especially on free kicks, fans see the goalkeeper in seemingly perfect position to make the save only to have the ball curve right past them into the back of the net, leaving the keeper dumfounded.

Curve shots are just one type of shot, but curving the ball is a must-have skill for high-level soccer players. So, whether you're a beginner or an up-and-comer, here's how to curve a soccer ball.

Approach

When it comes to how to curve a soccer ball, like most soccer shots, come at the ball at a slight angle. Place your planting foot in a comfortable position, next to the ball, pointing towards the target. The planting foot should be far enough away from the kicking foot so it does not interfere, but close enough so there isn't too much of a strain on the kicking foot. Creating this strain reduces the power on your shot. Most importantly, you want your knee to be above the ball.

To recap:

• Approach the ball at a slight angle.
• Put the planting foot in a good position.
• Get your knee over the ball.

Contact

As you begin to shoot, point your toes down and lock your ankle. Contact should be made with the side of your foot near the toe. Strike the ball on the bottom corner of the ball on the same side as your kicking foot. The most important factor in the contact step is being consistent with your point of contact on the ball with the correct part of the foot.

To recap:

• Use the side of your kicking foot near the toe.
• Hit the bottom-side corner of the ball on the same side as your kicking foot.

Strategy

In how to curve a soccer ball, take the curve of the ball into account. If the intention is to curve the ball left-to-right, then aim to the left of your target. Similarly, if the intention is to curve the ball right-to-left, then aim to the right of your target. However, a great curve on the ball means nothing if the keeper has time to react to make the save. So, especially when shooting from a distance, make sure to put power into the shot.

To recap:

• Take the curve into account.
• Adding power to the curve will lead to great success.

Practicing this technique will add a great soccer skill to your repertoire, how to curve a soccer ball, and you could see yourself on the list of best shooters in soccer history.