Curve Shot - Inside of the Foot

Steps:

The curve shot is used to score when you need to bend the ball around a defender or the Goalkeeper. It can be hit at any height and even have a dip to it which makes it very difficult for the Goalkeeper to save. If perfected, you can also bend the ball around and/or over walls on free kicks to score. If you are kicking the ball with your left foot, the ball will travel from left to right (clockwise); and from right to left (counterclockwise) if you are kicking with your right foot.

1. Positioning: Start your run to the ball at an angle inside the target line.
2. Approach: Your approach to the ball can be from any distance and at any speed.
3. Alignment: Your body and plant foot should be pointed in the same direction that you approached. Place your plant foot anywhere from even with the ball to slightly behind it at a distance of 6-8 inches from the ball. Lock your ankle in an up or down position with both knees slightly bent. Use your arms for balance and lean slightly back. Keep your eyes focused on the ball.
4. Contact: If you were to hit the ball with your instep, the ball would travel in the direction that you are facing. Instead, hit the ball with the inside half of your instep and kick along a path from the lower corner or the ball to the outside corners.
5. After Contact: Your follow through with your kicking leg will determine how much spin and dip the ball has. Swing your kicking leg in towards the goal while leaving your plant leg and upper body steady. This will create more ball spin and dip.
6. Tips: Try practicing a combination of approach angle, plant foot placement, kicking foot positioning, and follow through to see what affect each has on the other. You will find that there are many different ways to curve the ball. Remember to put enough spin and dip to bring it back towards the goal and to keep your eyes focused on the ball.