As a forward, be it a winger or striker, staying clinical in front of goal can be one of the biggest difference makers. In particular this becomes useful when added onto smart movements and tendencies to create chances in the first place.
Players with an end product are far more indispensable than those without. Therefore, we must assess the fundamental technique which provides the quality of finishing effectively.
There are three main techniques which all forwards should work on regularly as they cover the widest variety of situations a player will face. The first is the instep/laces. Included in this can be any more complex shot such as a knuckleball, but realistically it is key to first master the basics here. These shots are characterised by the power generated on them and therefore are used in situations where speed is of the essence in order to beat a keeper, such as on the edge of the box or from long-range.
The second and third techniques use the the inside of the foot. The former of those is a classic side foot placed finish, which is by far the most accurate of shots, although some power can be lost. This should be used the closer to the keeper you are, therefore in many places inside the box, or when 1v1 with the keeper. Another side foot technique is the cross-strike, which is used to finish cutbacks and low-driven crosses. These shots do not require power as it is generally inherent to the pass in, but they can be difficult to redirect. Therefore, the technique more closely resembles a cross than a shot swinging across the hips.
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