Diego Forlán was one of the best long-range shooters of his generation. The Uruguay striker scored spectacular goals from distance with both feet, won the Golden Ball as the best player of the 2010 World Cup, and twice won the European Golden Shoe as Europe’s top league scorer. If you want to improve your long shots, Forlán is the perfect player to study.
Here’s a breakdown of Forlán’s shooting technique, the training habits behind it, and drills to help you score from distance.
Who Is Diego Forlán?
Forlán was born in Montevideo in 1979 into a soccer family. His father, Pablo, played for Uruguay. Diego played for Independiente in Argentina, Manchester United, Villarreal and Atlético Madrid, where he won the Europa League in 2010. That same summer he lit up the World Cup in South Africa, scoring five goals and leading Uruguay to the semi-finals. A year later he helped Uruguay win the 2011 Copa América.
Forlán’s Shooting Technique
1. Two-footed striking
Forlán could strike the ball powerfully with either foot, which made him almost impossible to show onto a “weaker” side. Defenders had nowhere safe to push him.
2. Clean contact
He struck through the middle of the ball with his laces, ankle locked and toe pointed, producing shots that flew with power and dip.
3. Body over the ball
Leaning slightly forward over the ball kept his shots low and on target, even from 25 to 30 yards.
4. Shooting early
Forlán didn’t need much space. One touch to set the ball, and he was already shooting before defenders could close him down.
5. Confidence
Great long-range shooters keep shooting. Forlán had the confidence to try from distance, and that’s a mindset young players can copy.
How to Shoot From Long Range Like Forlán
- Set the ball with your first touch slightly to the side of your shooting foot.
- Plant your standing foot beside the ball, pointing at the target.
- Lock your ankle and point your toe down.
- Strike through the middle of the ball with your laces.
- Keep your head steady and body over the ball to keep the shot down.
- Land on your shooting foot as you follow through toward the target.
Long-Range Shooting Drills
Drill 1: Two-footed shooting
Set up balls 20-25 yards from goal. Alternate feet: one shot with your right, one with your left. Count shots on target.
Drill 2: Set and shoot
A partner passes the ball in. Take one touch to set it, then shoot within two seconds.
Drill 3: Shooting under pressure
A defender starts 10 yards away and closes you down as the pass arrives. Shoot before they block you.
Common Long-Shot Mistakes
- Leaning back: the ball flies over the bar.
- Floppy ankle: you lose power and accuracy.
- Too many touches: defenders close you down.
- Only using one foot: practise with both, just like Forlán.
What Coaches Can Learn From Forlán
Forlán is a great example of what happens when players train both feet from an early age. At Coerver Coaching, we have players work with both feet in every ball mastery exercise, because two-footed players have more options and are harder to defend.
Love great strikers of the ball? Read about how to kick a soccer ball with power and the Roberto Carlos free kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Diego Forlán win at the 2010 World Cup?
The Golden Ball for the tournament’s best player.
Was Forlán two-footed?
Yes. He was famous for shooting powerfully with both feet.
Which clubs did Forlán play for?
Among others, Independiente, Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid and Inter Milan.
Every great player starts with ball mastery.
Coerver’s 99 Skills to Ball Mastery program builds the touch, close control and quick feet that every great player relies on. Train anywhere with just a ball and a few square feet.
