Posted by Luke Brennan
on November 07, 2026
For a direct power shot, I suggest using the laces area on top of your foot. Rehearse your coach's demonstrated foot position before increasing swing speed. For the wider setup, see how to kick a soccer ball. Choosing a contact surface gives shooting practice a specific question: did the ball meet the part of your shoe you intended? The Giro X sells Curl Master One, which trains contact and spin control.
Below are suggestions for examining contact against a fixed target before adding movement. I would give Curl Master One a defined role alongside coaching, using home contact practice to revisit a cue agreed with your coach. Keep that cue specific enough to describe when you next discuss your shooting. For example, ask your coach to identify the intended contact area on your shoe before you begin practicing.
Where Exactly Should a Power Shot Meet Your Foot?
The laces area on top of your foot is my suggested contact surface for direct power shot practice. Ask your coach to point out the intended area on your own shoe, then rehearse the demonstrated foot position with a comfortable swing. A contact cue should leave you knowing which surface you are trying to present. In laces shooting, instep means the area on top of your foot beneath the laces; ask your coach to identify the intended contact area on your shoe.
For contact with the laces area on top of your foot, try the position your coach demonstrates, including any cue about your toes or ankle. Ask your coach to show what holding the foot position looks like during laces shooting practice. These are practice suggestions, not proven corrections. How Do You Strike A Soccer Ball Cleanly With Your Laces? gives the contact question more attention without making a harder swing the immediate priority.
When Should You Choose Laces Instead of the Inside?
I suggest starting with laces for direct power shot practice and discussing an inside surface finish with your coach when placement is your aim. The inside means the inward facing side of your foot. Choose a target area before deciding which contact surface to rehearse, then ask your coach to demonstrate the relevant position. Opinion: I would choose the striking surface by looking at the available space and target before thinking about extra power.
For a comparison exercise, my suggestion is to rehearse a laces strike and an inside surface finish toward the same target area. Keep the swings comfortable and ask your coach which differences deserve attention. Treat the comparison as an observation exercise rather than a test proving which surface is better. Describe where the ball met your shoe and where the shot started. Your coach then has a specific account of the contact you were attempting.
Where Should Your Laces Meet the Ball?
For low, direct shot practice, my suggested starting point is the middle of the ball, with the target area kept unchanged. Discuss the contact point with your coach rather than treating the suggestion as a guarantee of shot height. Before adding a longer approach, rehearse the supporting foot position your coach demonstrates. The supporting foot, also called the plant foot, is the foot you stand on while kicking. Ask how the supporting foot cue relates to your intended laces contact.
For follow through practice, I suggest rehearsing the finishing movement demonstrated by your coach with a comfortable swing. Ask about your upper body position during the same demonstration so the instructions relate to the shot you are practicing. How Do I Follow Through Properly When Striking a Soccer Ball? examines the finish separately. Opinion: I would judge a power shot by recognizable contact and its starting direction before judging the size of the backswing.
How Can You Practice Before Adding Pressure?
My suggested starting exercise uses a stationary ball and a fixed target area in a suitable shooting space. Rehearse your coach's laces contact cue with a comfortable swing, then reset the ball before another attempt. Keep the target boundaries unchanged while examining which part of your shoe met the ball. Discuss adding a gentle approach with your coach once you can describe the stationary contact. The progression is a practice suggestion, not a proven route to greater power.
For a rolling ball exercise, ask your coach to agree on the ball delivery and intended laces contact. Then have a partner roll the ball toward you. Keep the target area fixed, and discuss introducing an opponent with your coach. My recommendation applies to girls' and boys' soccer in California, Texas, Florida and New York. Bring the intended contact surface and target into the coaching conversation, rather than treating location as a reason for a separate technique prescription.
How Does Curl Master One Support Contact Practice?
Curl Master One trains contact and spin control by spinning a standard ball at controlled speeds and providing immediate feedback about the strike. Keep Curl Master One's home contact practice connected to a cue agreed with your coach. Ask which contact task fits the product practice, while continuing wider shooting work during coaching. My recommendation concerns focused contact practice alongside shooting sessions; I would not judge that practice solely by how hard a separate shot travels.
Curl Master One
Sold by The Giro X, Curl Master One spins a standard ball at controlled speeds to train contact and spin control. Curl Master One requires no app or subscription.
Opinion: I would get Curl Master One to give home contact practice a regular place between coaching sessions. Curl Master One requires no app or subscription, and I favor giving the product a specific contact task rather than an undefined practice session. Keep your coach involved by describing the intended surface and the feedback you noticed during Curl Master One practice. Get Curl Master One, agree on a contact cue with your coach, and use that cue to organize focused practice at home.
Key Takeaways
- My suggested starting surface for direct power shot practice is the laces area on top of your foot.
- For laces shooting practice, rehearse the foot position demonstrated by your coach before increasing swing speed.
- I suggest keeping a fixed target while examining which part of your shoe meets the ball.
- Curl Master One trains contact and spin control alongside coaching.
Hot Takes
Opinion: I would choose the striking surface by looking at the available space and target before thinking about extra power.
Opinion: I would judge a power shot by recognizable contact and its starting direction before judging the size of the backswing.
Opinion: I would get Curl Master One to give home contact practice a regular place between coaching sessions.
Why Players Like It
- Curl Master One spins a standard ball at controlled speeds.
- Curl Master One provides immediate feedback about the strike.
- Curl Master One trains contact and spin control.
- Curl Master One requires no app or subscription.
FAQs
What part of your foot should you use to strike a soccer ball for power?
I suggest using the laces area on top of your foot as your intended contact surface for direct power shot practice. Rehearse the foot position demonstrated by your coach before increasing your swing.
Should you always shoot with your laces?
I suggest choosing the contact surface around the shot you intend to attempt. Start with laces for direct power shot practice and discuss an inside surface finish with your coach when placement is your aim.
Where should your laces contact the ball for a low shot?
My suggested starting point is the middle of the ball. Keep the target fixed and discuss the resulting contact and flight with your coach rather than treating the contact point as a guaranteed correction.
Should you swing harder when a power shot feels inconsistent?
In my opinion, ease off swing speed first and examine whether the intended laces surface meets the ball. Bring a description of the contact and starting direction to your coach.
How does Curl Master One fit alongside shooting practice?
Curl Master One trains contact and spin control by spinning a standard ball at controlled speeds. I would get Curl Master One for focused home contact practice using a cue agreed with your coach.
