Soccer Kick Training

Part of the soccer player's overall skill is knowing how and when to use different types of kicks in various situations. Beginners to soccer should work on controlling the ball before kicking, while advanced players can practice striking the ball without settling it first. There are various kicking drills, such as aiming at a target on a wall or dribbling in different directions before kicking. Possessing the ability to strike a ball in any situation will improve all aspects of a player's game. Different types of kick are used for passing, finishing, clearing and long-range shooting.

  1. Push-Pass

    • A push-pass is played with the supporting foot approximately four inches to the side of the ball with the toes pointed in direction of a teammate. The ankle is locked at 90 degrees while the kicking leg is swung back and then brought forward through the center of the ball. The kicking ankle must be perpendicular to the supporting foot. Contact with the ball should be made with the arch of the foot and follow-through in the direction of a teammate. The ideal push-pass is when the ball rolls smoothly rather than bounces or skips along the ground, making it difficult for a teammate to control.

    Chip

    • The chip may be used for a shot or pass. It is when the ball is lofted into the air and over the head of an opposing player. The supporting foot is planted next to the ball with toes pointed at your target. Thrust the kicking foot back and then forward without moving the thigh, if possible. Cut the ball sharply from the bottom with the the tip of your toes. The ball will loft and spin vertically. It is a good method to use for shooting if the goalkeeper is positioned out of his goal.

    Volley

    • The volley is used to kick the ball when it is above ground, in the air. A good volley must be timed correctly. The player must concentrate on when to swing the leg rather than where to make contact on the ball. The ball will be hit through the center with the lace area of the boot. The player must keep the body straight when executing a volley and try to keep the ball low if shooting the ball at the goal.

    Free-Kick

    • Free kicks are awarded when a player is fouled anywhere on the pitch. The team awarded the free kick positions the ball where the foul took place. The ball must not be moving and the opposing team cannot tackle and must retreat ten yards until the kick is taken. A free kick around the edge of an opponents penalty area provides an opportunity for the attacking team to score. Free kicks can be practiced on the training ground. The kicker attempts to chip the ball over the defensive wall, made up of the opponents players, and dip into the goal, but hit with enough power to beat the goalkeeper. The technique is difficult to master but will be a useful skill for a player, if perfected.

    Shooting

    • There is no right or wrong way to perfect and execute the goal-scoring shot. Usually, a striker will hit the ball in the laces area of the boot, as hard and low as possible. Sometimes hitting the ball too hard will cause it to miss the goal by going over the top. A simple side-foot will be enough to score if the striker is close to the goal. Shooting practice from different angles will improve a players' awareness and goal scoring ability.