The time has come: tomorrow, the 2024 European Championship kicks off with the match between Germany and Scotland in Munich. The national team starts on Saturday in Cologne against Hungary. Before the ball starts rolling, we take a look back at some of the finest volleys and first-time finishes in European Championship history and what they have in common.
Marco van Basten, 1988
Arguably the most famous volley in European Championship history occurred in the 1988 final in Munich. Dutchman Marco van Basten struck a high cross from a tight angle on the volley, looping it over the Soviet goalkeeper into the far corner. This goal helped the Netherlands become European champions. Many still consider this one of the greatest goals in football history.
Xherdan Shaqiri, 2016
Unforgettable from a Swiss perspective is Xherdan Shaqiri’s bicycle kick in the 2016 European Championship round of 16 match against Poland in Saint-Étienne. On the edge of the penalty area, with his back to the goal, he scored the 1-1 equaliser. The goal was later voted one of the best of the tournament.
What these goals have in common
As different as the situations were, these goals share three things:
- Courage: Both players did not hesitate; they went for the finish.
- Timing: The ball was struck at the perfect moment, neither too early nor too late.
- Ingrained technique: There was no time to think. The movement had to be instinctive.
Why first-time finishes are so important in tournaments
In major tournaments, defensive lines are usually compact. Clear-cut chances are rare. This makes moments where a player strikes a ball at goal without taking a touch all the more important. A first-time finish gives the goalkeeper less time to react and surprises defenders who expect the player to control the ball first.
The ball of the 2024 European Championship
The tournament is played with the "Fussballliebe" ball. It contains technology that records every ball contact in real time, assisting the video assistant referee with decisions such as handballs or offside calls.
Three drills for the first-time finish
If you want to work on your own first-time finishing, you can start with these three drills:
- The stationary volley: The ball is placed on a small rise. Strike it with your instep after a two or three-step approach. The goal is a flat, hard shot.
- The rebound: Kick the ball against a wall and strike it first time after the first bounce. This trains your timing and body posture.
- The cross: A partner tosses the ball to you from their hand at hip height. Take it first-time at the goal. Start with easy tosses and slowly increase the pace.
For all three drills, the rule is: quality over quantity. Ten focused attempts are better than thirty rushed ones. And if a ball flies over the goal, that is no problem. It is precisely from these failed attempts that you learn the most.
Our tip for the European Championship summer
Let the pros inspire you and try out the techniques yourself. Start with simple volleys from a low height and work your way up. With the VOLLEYCHAMP®, you can even do this during half-time at a big-screen screening or at a barbecue with friends: who can hit the target most often?
And if you are hoping for a volley from the national team on Saturday during the match against Hungary: so are we. Perhaps the next goal that people will be talking about for years to come will be scored in Cologne.
We wish everyone a great European Championship. Hopp Schwiiz!
