How to Kick a Field Goal With the Side of Your Foot

Kicking a football with the toe straight on was customary in the leather helmet, single-bar facemask days of American football. Soccer-style kickers changed the game of football by using the top inside of the foot to kick the ball, the same as you would a soccer ball. The technique added accuracy, consistency and distance to the placekicking and field goal kicking process. Learning to kick in this style isn’t that difficult, but it requires practice.

Things You'll Need

  • football
  • 2-inch tee
  • field goal ball holder
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Instructions

    • 1

      Position the football in the field goal ball holder, if no one is holding the ball for you. The top bar of the field goal ball holder will rest atop the ball and keep it upright. You can rest the ball on the ground, or set it on top of a 2-inch tee. The bottom of the ball should be pointed slightly forward with the top of the ball leaning back.

    • 2

      Place your kicking foot directly behind the football. Step backward three steps away from the ball. Depending on the foot you are kicking with, take two steps to the opposite side. For example, a right-footed kicker will take two steps to the left.

    • 3

      Aim the toe of your non-kicking foot downfield and align your hips with the kicking tee. Start toward the tee with your eyes on the ball and your head down. Move two steps forward, then swing your kicking leg so that you connect with the ball on the top inside of your foot, just in front of the shoelaces. Make sure your ankle is locked when your foot hits the football. Follow through the kick so that your kicking leg gets full extension after contact.