COACHING POINTS FOR KICKING IN SOCCER

KICKING IN SOCCER

1.      Place the soccer ball on the ground about four feet in front of you.

2.      Locate the inside area of your kicking foot, stretching from your big toe to your heel. This will be the area on your foot you will use to kick directional kicks, which you can use to push the ball to a teammate.

3.      Start stepping toward the soccer ball. If you use your right foot to kick, it will be used to make the last step before the ball. If you use your left foot to kick, if will be used to make the last step before the ball.

4.      In a consistent motion, step about two feet from the ball and then step with your opposite foot slightly in front and to the side of the ball.

5.      As you step with the opposite foot past the soccer ball, drag your kicking foot behind.

6.      Allow your weight to transfer and swing your leg through the ball as your foot makes contact.

7.      Using the inside of your kicking foot will help you aim the ball as you basically push it across the field.

8.      Place the soccer ball on the ground in front of you again, this time six feet away to practice kicking longer kicks.

9.      Approach the ball with longer, more powerful steps.

10.  Contact the bottom of the ball with your toes and the back of the ball with your shoe laces. Swing through with your kicking leg with as much power as you can. Note how far the ball travels. Practice hitting the ball to lengths in increments of twenty feet.