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 really easy to be an adult and think that youth soccer players should know certain knowledge. I often find myself thinking a player know’s something and then remind myself that I learned it from my coach. It’s not natural to just understand all there is to know. So the question is when are most goals scored in soccer. Understanding this and teaching your teammates will result in more wins on Saturday.
When are most goals scored in soccer?
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 there are players who are not completely focused. Towards the end of each half is when fatigue sets in which makes a lazy mind. So mix that with the players who don’t get as tired and are working their hardest to score. It’s hard to beat someone who never gives up.
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. The 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 get’s 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. So it’s 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 a few jumps to get the muscles ready. Getting the heart rate up is going to help wake you up after the halftime break. Remember this. 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. Help build a healthy culture. Great teams have that culture where everyone knows they can step up and lead. You can say other things like “play smart” or “stay tight on your man”. I’m not a fan of playing long balls, but one of the best times to play a long ball is the first few minutes of the game.
Find the defender on the other team who is either 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. If your teammates 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. So 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.
