Growing up playing soccer I can remember getting tons of valuable knowledge, like how to kick the ball harder and how most goals are scored. It’s easy for adults to think youth soccer players should know these things. It’s not natural to understand all there is to know. Understanding this topic ‘when are most goals scored’ will result in more success on the pitch.
When are most goals scored?
75% of goals are scored in the first and last 5 minutes of each half, with most of those being in the last 5 minutes of the second half. This is counting a 90 minute game, so in the 20 minute time frame of minutes before and after each half.
The reason is because at the beginning of each half some players are not completely focused or confident.
Towards the end of each half is when fatigue sets in, which makes a lazy mind.
When you have a field full of players who handle fatigue, injuries, focus, confidence and drive differently, you have goals scored in the first and last 5 minutes of each half.
First half goals in soccer
Of all the goals scored in the first half most of them are scored at the end of the 1st half between the 40-45 min mark.
Fatigue has to be part of the reason for this.
The end of the first half is an awful time to conceive a goal because then everyone goes into halftime with heads down. It’s a lot easier walking back onto the field after finishing the first half well.
Energy and momentum is huge, so make sure you are doing something about it. If you do go down it’s okay, that’s what comebacks are for.
Always remember that 2-0 is the most dangerous score to be up at halftime. One team gets relaxed and thinks the game is in the bag, while if the other team scores 1 it’s a huge momentum shift.
Second half goals in soccer
Have you ever watched players walk back onto the field after halftime? I mean some of them look like their living in slow motion. After playing 35-45 minutes running up and down the field, and then getting a 10-15 minute rest it makes sense.
It’s so important to go into the 2nd half mentally strong and prepared.
Pep up your teammates and remind to play smart and let’s get an early goal.
Do a few 2 and 5 yard sprints and jumps to get the muscles ready. Getting the heart rate up is going to help wake you up after the halftime break.
When are most goals scored? Don’t forget these stats, because it will always be like this. These are the times you are completely focused and working extra hard.
What you can do to help your team
Knowledge is key, so make sure your teammates know this vital information of WHEN goals are scored.
Remind your team before each half to come out playing smart the first 5 minutes. When people have a reminder seconds or minutes before and see the passion in your teammate it helps you right.
Every team needs at least 1 leader to get everyone going. But why not have a team full?
Help build a healthy culture…
Great teams have that culture where everyone knows they can step up and lead.
Communicate things like “play smart” or “stay tight on your man”.
Learn about the other teams players
Find the defender on the other team who is not as good with the ball.
Players are nervous at the beginning of the game so putting them under pressure could make them cause an early mistake. Plus it keeps the ball away from your goal in these dangerous times of the first 5 minutes.
You can also look for the player on the other team who looks nervous. Find that weak link and expose it early.
Even pro teams have players who are low on confidence, so learn to recognize these situations.
Knowing how to score more goals in soccer
When you know when most goals are scored it really helps, but when you know HOW most goals are scored it helps even more.
Knowing these secrets helps you prevent the other team from scoring and it also helps you score more goals.
Soccer is a team sport so make sure you are teaching your teammates. If they all know this then it helps everyone know their role and keep everyone held accountable in these moments.
When players all know where to cross the ball and when to work extra hard on both sides of the ball, it makes the difference.
Expose your opponents weaknesses like this
One of the cool things about team sports like soccer, football, baseball is for the team to do well everyone needs to play well.
I encourage you to find weak spots in your opponents and expose them.
If you know that a player on the other team is tired then you run at them and keep them under pressure as much as possible.
At halftime you can make adjustments on which players on the other team are strong or weak.
If players are weak then go at them! During the few minutes where you are walking back onto the field from halftime be talking with your teammates about these things. This helps your teammates get their mind right at a crucial time in the game.
