Centre-Backs and the Modern Long-Range Shot (Patreon)

It’s common to see attackers staying after training to practise shooting on goal, but in modern football, it’s equally—if not more—important for centre-backs to develop this skill. As teams defend deeper and more compactly, the ability of central defenders to strike from distance can force opponents out of their low block or exploit empty spaces to score. A powerful, accurate long-range shot has become a valuable weapon, adding unpredictability and expanding a team’s attacking options beyond the traditional forwards.