FineSoccer Kids 27

Welcome to the FineSoccer Kids Newsletter. Today's subject deals with the scoring area.

Over 80% of the goals scored result from shots within a certain area. If you are a goalkeeper or a defender, if you know what this area it will make your jobs much easier to defend. If you are an attacker, it will make your life easier because you know what is a realistic scoring opportunity or not based on whether you are within this scoring area (this does NOT mean you shouldn't shoot from outside this area but rather, you will know where you are most likely to score from.

To determine this area, draw a line from the center of the goal to a point that is 22 yards out and even with the corner of the 18-yard box. Then draw a line from the center of the goal to the same spot on the opposite side of the 18. The area that is within this angle is where over 80% of goals are scored within. See the diagram below for an example

Defensively, when an attacker gets within this area, you MUST mark that player tightly because they are in the scoring area. Offensively, if you have a ball in that area, you MUST look to score because opportunities inside the scoring area don't up often.

This very simple idea of knowing where the scoring area is can make things so much easier for a soccer player on both ends of the field but it's something that is frequently not addressed. Know when you are in the scoring area and you will be a better soccer player

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Have a great day!

Lawrence