I will explain how a right footed player should approach and strike the ball and it will be the same for a left footed player as well just opposite.
Bring your soccer ball and a friend if you want, to a field. Place the ball on the ground at your feet and take 2 short steps back and one to the left so you can set yourself to kick the ball with your preferred right foot. Take one large step forward leading with your left foot and then your left foot should land approximately 8 or 9 inches to the left of the ball. Bring your right foot forward and swing through the ball, hitting the ball in the middle of your foot (instep) and continue to practice until you feel comfortable hitting the ball in short distances and accurately to your teammate or friend.
Max Zambrowsky