Futsal · Shooting

Toe-poke shooting

Set the ball with the sole and strike a quick toe-poke at goal before the keeper is ready.

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Start / 5
Time
12 min
Players
3–10
Age
U7+
Area
Half court
Equipment
10 futsal balls (size 4, low-bounce)1 goal2 cones

Setup

  1. A goal with a keeper.
  2. A line of shooters at a cone about 10 m from goal.
  3. Coach stands beside the line with the balls.

How it runs

  1. Coach rolls a ball out in front of the first shooter.
  2. Shooter sets it with one touch of the sole, then toe-pokes it at goal.
  3. Keeper picks it up and throws it back to the coach.
  4. Shooter joins the back of the line.
  5. Six shots each, then a new keeper, so everyone has a turn in goal.

Coaching points

  • Strike through the middle of the ball with the very front of the shoe.
  • Short, quick backswing: no big wind-up.
  • Standing foot beside the ball, body over it to keep the shot low.
  • Shoot early, before the keeper is set.

Common mistakes

  • A big backswing that gives the keeper time.
  • Leaning back so the shot flies over.
  • Hitting under the ball instead of through the middle.

Say it: “Short, sharp, toe.”

Make it harder

  • Shoot first time, with no setting touch.
  • Coach passes in from the side.
  • A defender chases from behind.

Make it easier

  • Shoot a still ball from the cone.
  • Move the line in to 6 m.
  • Aim at cones in an empty goal.

Reviewed by the Sportdify coaching team.