April 14, 2026
One on one shooting is one of the most important skills any young soccer player can develop — and one of the most commonly missed opportunities on the pitch.
You know that moment. Your child is clean through on goal. Just them and the keeper. The crowd holds its breath. And then… the shot goes wide. Or straight at the goalkeeper. Or they take one touch too many and the chance is gone.
It hurts to watch. And for your child, it can quietly chip away at their confidence.
Here’s the good news: this is a teachable skill. Clinical finishing in 1v1 situations doesn’t come from talent alone — it comes from deliberate, focused practice.
Quick answer — how to score more in one on one situations:
Whether your child plays for a club team in Mount Pleasant or is just getting started in recreational soccer across the Lowcountry, improving their 1v1 finishing can be the difference between a good season and a great one.
This guide breaks down exactly how to do it — with drills, techniques, and tips built for young players.
At its core, one on one shooting is the ultimate showdown between the striker and the goalkeeper. It is the moment where tactical team play ends and individual brilliance begins. In these high-pressure seconds, a player must balance physical coordination with extreme mental composure.
The primary benefit of mastering this skill is the massive boost in a player’s confidence. When a young athlete knows they can reliably beat a keeper, they play with more freedom and less fear of failure. In a team setting, being the “clinical finisher” makes a player an invaluable asset during those tight, game-winning moments common in local matches at James Island or North Charleston.
Many players struggle because team practices often focus on group tactics rather than the fine mechanics of finishing. This is where personalized instruction benefits a player most. Just as specialized training in other disciplines helps individuals master stance and control, private soccer coaching allows us to isolate the “why” behind a missed shot.
We find that when a young player works with a peer mentor—someone who is actively playing at a high level—the advice feels more relatable. We aren’t just telling them what to do; we are showing them how we handle that same pressure on the weekend. This individual growth is the foundation of a great soccer career.
Scoring consistently requires more than just a hard kick. It requires a sequence of mechanical steps that become second nature through repetition.
Choosing the right finish is half the battle. Use the table below to understand when to use each technique.
| Feature | Power Finish (Laces) | Finesse Finish (Inside Foot) |
|---|---|---|
| Best Distance | 12-18 yards out | 6-12 yards out |
| Goalie Position | Standing tall, covering angles | Rushing out or off-balance |
| Success Key | High follow-through, firm ankle | Placement in the side netting |
| Risk | Higher chance of missing the frame | Keeper might reach it if not wide enough |
A common mistake we see at fields in Mount Pleasant is players “falling away” from the ball. To keep the shot low and accurate, keep your chest over the ball and follow through toward the target. Think of it like a “stick the landing” moment—your momentum should carry you forward into the space where the ball just was.
In a real game, you don’t get ten warm-up shots. You get one. This is what experts call the “first shot” problem. Traditional drills where you shoot 50 balls in a row don’t simulate game pressure effectively because the second shot is always easier than the first.
To fix this, we incorporate “sudden reps” into our training. We might be working on ball handling, and suddenly I’ll yell “Live!”—forcing the player to immediately transition into a 1v1 sprint and finish. This builds mental toughness and ensures that when that lone opportunity arrives in the 80th minute, the player’s body knows exactly what to do.
The best way to learn is to have fun while doing it. Competition naturally raises the stakes and forces players to focus.
These games are effective because they replicate the “high-stakes” feeling of a match. When there is a “winner” and a “loser” in a drill, the brain treats the rep with more importance, leading to faster skill acquisition.
Ready to take it to the next level? Here are three drills we use to turn “sitters” into “goals.”
In a real game, you often have a “helper” defender chasing you from behind while you face the keeper. We practice this by giving the defender a 2-yard head start but requiring them to run around a further cone. This creates a realistic “closing window” where the striker has to make a decision quickly before the defender catches up.
If you are looking for a way to help your child master these skills, Olly on the Ball is here to help. We provide hyper-local, private soccer training throughout the Lowcountry—from the fields of Daniel Island to the parks in Summerville and Isle of Palms.
We believe in the power of peer-to-peer mentoring. As a 16-year-old competitive player and Charleston Battery volunteer, I (Oliver) understand the modern game from the inside. I don’t just coach from the sidelines; I get on the pitch with the kids. We focus on:
Our sessions are designed to be intense but encouraging. We use the same drills that top-tier academies use, but we translate them into language that a 7-year-old or a 12-year-old can actually use on Saturday morning.
Any player aged 5-14 who wants to improve their game! Whether your child is an “absolute beginner” who needs to learn how to kick the ball properly, or an intermediate player looking to refine their “scoring moves,” one-on-one sessions provide the tailored attention they can’t get in a large team practice.
Just the basics! Your child should bring:
Most of our private sessions are 1 hour long. We find this is the “sweet spot” for maintaining focus and getting enough high-quality repetitions without the player becoming overly fatigued. For those looking for a more intensive experience, we can discuss longer blocks or small-group clinics.
At the end of the day, soccer is about the joy of the game. There is no feeling quite like seeing a young player’s face light up after they tuck a ball into the corner of the net for the first time. By focusing on one on one shooting, we aren’t just teaching them to score goals—we are teaching them that with practice and composure, they can overcome any challenge on the field.
The Charleston soccer community is growing every day, and we are proud to be a part of it. Whether you are at Sullivan’s Island or downtown, let’s get to work on those fundamentals.
Ready to stop missing sitters? Book a Private Session today and let’s get your child playing with the confidence they deserve. For more details on our philosophy and location availability, check out more info about our services.
See you on the pitch!
