EA SPORTS 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Tips – Long Shots

Football journalist and FIFA fan Darren Cross shares his tips on scoring from long range in the World Cup game.

I must have already scored more spectacular long-range goals in 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil than in any other version of the game I've ever played.

When you catch that official World Cup ball properly – with a player that can hit good long shots – it really zings off your foot and can often end up in the back of the net. It's happened regularly enough for me that I've changed my attacking style to set up more long shots – they really do seem to be that much more effective in the World Cup game.

But there is a lot more to scoring from distance than just hitting the shoot button and hoping. There are many things you can do to increase your chances of beating the keeper from outside the area, and in this week's Backpage we're going to take a detailed look at them so that you can rip more nets from range this summer.

When To Shoot
There are two types of shots from distance I try regularly in open play in the World Cup game – the quick shot and the more standard long shot.

A quick shot is when I try to score first time, without taking a touch to control the ball – usually from a lay-off, pass or through ball – and I think of a standard long shot as something a bit more crafted, using a player that already has control of the ball. Whether or not I attempt either type of shot depends mainly on three things; the long shot ability of my player, the space he has and his angle to the goal.

Long Shot Ability
If you use the same team a lot in the World Cup game then it’s worth finding out which of the players can hit good long shots, and you can do that by cycling through their profiles in the team management screen. I’ll have a go at goal with anything in the low to mid 70s and upwards, especially if the player has a good shot power rating too.

Anything less than that and I’m more likely to hold on to the ball and look for a different route to goal.

Space
To go for any kind of effective long shot the ball needs to be out of your player’s feet before you strike it, so you have the space to power up your shot and build a bit of momentum. If it’s too close to your feet and your player has no opportunity to run on to it then you’ll notice your shot will be more floaty than usual, and probably less accurate.

To hit a quick first-time long shot, you power up as the ball is coming towards you or as you are moving towards it. Timing is really important here – start powering your shot late and the ball will be too close to your feet as you strike it.

If you already have the ball and want to go for a long shot then you need space ahead of you to move into. Simply running without holding sprint will give you a decent amount of momentum as you power up your shot, but generally I like to sprint on to the ball when I have the opportunity. The more space you’ve got to work in the better really, as long as you don’t have opposition players close by that could get in the way.

For tips on creating the space to shoot have a look here:

Angle
You’ve got the best chance of hitting a good long shot when your player is either facing the goal directly or at anything up to a 45 degree angle. It is possible to score long shots when your player is side-on to the goal – think 90 degree angle running up or down the pitch with the ball on the same side as his strong foot – but it’s much harder to do than when facing the goal straight on or diagonally.

If you’ve got a bit of space – or can create some – between your player and the ball, you’re at a good angle to the goal and the player you’re controlling has a good long shot rating, then you’re good to go. All you have to do next is power up your shot and direct the ball where you want it to go.

How To Shoot
There are two main things to think about here – power and aim.