How to Kick a Soccer Ball the Correct Way

There are many factors to consider when striking (kicking)the soccer ball. You need to consider technique, your plant foot, your body position, your ankle and knee position, and many other key aspects to correctly kick a soccer ball. Soccer ball kicks are an important part of the game of soccer to master. Technique is important to master so that you will be efficient in precision and power.

This being the case, some tips and strategies that you may find helpful are:

When Shooting the Soccer Ball:

Bring your kicking leg as high as possible to create the most power possible. You will want your leg to form a V.

Make sure that your ankle is locked and that you are essentially making a fist with your foot. This will ensure that the power is not lost when striking the ball.

You will want to make sure that your plant foot (the foot that is stationary and next to the ball) is secure and about a foot to a foot and a half away from the ball.

Kicking a soccer ball the correct way takes skill and practice. If you are looking for an excellent resource to help with this check out this dvd.

When Passing the Soccer Ball:

Passing and having precision when passing is one of the most fundamental skills a soccer player needs to develop. The ball does not progress and move forward without a good pass. Keeping possession of the ball is not easy if you or your teammates don't pass well. So it makes perfect sense that the skill of passing should become precise and effective.

Your plant foot should be about a foot or so away from the ball.

You will again, like when shooting, want your ankle locked. However, unlike when shooting you will want to keep your toes up parallel to the ground.

Your knee should be slightly bent and you do not want to lean back, you want your body to be over the ball so the ball wont launch into the air.

There are some great passing drills found here.

Goalie Kicks:

A goalie has the responsibility of knowing how to kick a soccer ball precise and hard as well to help deliver the ball up field to his teammates. Punting and drop kicks requires similar techniques as shooting does for a field player.

Your ankle needs to stay locked using the laces and follow through on the kick is important.

 Advanced Player Kicks

The Volley Kick- is performed using the laces striking the ball with the top of your foot. It is crucial that any advancing player must learn this kick. It is a great finishing kick and allows for shots to be taken without any hesitation and without breaking your rhythm. It can also be used to keep a ball low and fast moving. Ankle is still locked but your knee can be slightly bent.

The Bicycle Kick- Made famous by the great futbol player Pele, the bicycle kick is an attractive dominating kick that can produce roaring from the crowd unlike other kicks. To do a bicycle kick, you will want to keep your back to your target. For example if you are shooting keep your back to the goal. Keep your eyes on the ball. Bring your non-kicking leg up toward your chest and then do the same with your kicking leg as if you are pedaling a bicycle backwards. While you are airborne extend your kicking leg to contact with the ball as you fall backwards. Make sure that your ankle is locked. Extend your arms and palms towards the ground to cushion your fall and so you don't hit your head.

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