Why Won't She Take Her Shot on Goal?

I've seen it in games and in practice.  Some or our girls, even when they're within certain scoring range, seem to have trouble pulling the trigger and taking their shot.  I've really not understood that until recently.  

As a rookie soccer player myself, I recently found myself in a situation where I did the same thing.  I've taken plenty of shots on goal when the situation was obvious, but as a midfielder, I'm generally looking for a forward to pass the ball up to.  I had the ball and some space to run at the goal.  Two defenders were closing in, but my forward had a step on his mark.  At the top of the box, I still had time to shoot.  It wouldn't have been a sure thing by any means.  It would have had to get past one of the two on-coming defenders plus the keeper, but in hindsight, the shot was there.  However, the thought of shooting didn't even cross my mind.  I saw my forward with a step and without even looking at the goal, I fed the ball in.  It was a hair too far ahead of him and he couldn't quite reach it.  The opportunity was missed (luckily, we didn't need the goal).  

I won't make that mistake again.  Even my daughter pointed out after the game that I "should have taken the shot."  The good thing is, now I understand a little better what's going through some of the girls' minds when they don't shoot.  They're looking for their forward.

Perhaps the best way to coach this lesson, is to position the girls as forwards in some scrimmages or matches.  After getting a few shots on goal even when the path is not clear, they'll learn they can do the same even if they're mids or backs.

-Bill