How to Curve a Soccer Ball Like a Professional

If you have seen the movie "Bend it Like Beckham," or if you have seen David Beckham play soccer, you might have wondered how to curve a soccer ball. The curve is produced by the rotation of the ball in flight, so you need to get the ball spinning, but also kick it with power. The curved shot or pass can be useful for getting a ball around a wall on a free kick, or around a defender to reach a teammate across the field.

Instructions

    • 1

      Jog toward the stationary soccer ball at medium speed.

    • 2

      Time your steps so your supporting foot (left foot, if you are a righty) steps directly beside the ball, with the inside of the foot facing the ball.

    • 3

      Flex your knee as you plant your supporting foot, simultaneously raising your kicking foot back to get ready for the kick. The speed of your kick will depend on how fast you bring your kicking foot from the flexed position through the ball.

    • 4

      Kick the ball with your toes pointed downward, and hit the ball with the outside top of your foot, just to the outside of your laces. This will cause the ball to spin and curve to the right (if you kick it with your right foot).

    • 5

      Kick the ball with the inside top of the foot (toes down), just to the inside of the laces, to curve the ball to the left.

    • 6

      Follow through on your kick, keeping your head down and running through the ball to keep the ball low. If you raise your head and lean back, the ball will go high.