A good soccer kick depends on accuracy and power. Making good contact with the ball will give your kick accuracy, and good technique will improve the power and accuracy of your shot. Whether you are shooting to score, making a pass or clearing the ball, the technique you use to kick the ball will depend on your situation. Whether you use the outside, inside or instep of your foot to kick straight shots, curve shots, ground kicks or “volleys,” balls in the air, you will need to practice your technique to improve your power and accuracy.
Ground Kicks
Good balance is important when kicking. Your body’s positioning over your supporting foot is just as important as your kicking foot. When making a ground kick, if your upper body leans back at the moment of impact, the ball will rise. If your upper body leans slightly forward, your kick will be low and powerful. The knee on your kicking leg should be above or in line with the ball when you make contact. After your foot kicks the ball, your leg should follow through toward the direction of your target.
Volleys
When a volley comes at you through the air, you need to move quickly to adjust your balance and positioning accordingly. If you need to jump and kick at the same time, focus on timing your leap. If you kick at the right time, your shot will be powerful and accurate enough. Keep adjusting your footing as the ball approaches so that your balance is as well-positioned as possible before taking your shot.
Straight Shots
Your kicking leg should follow through in the direction of your target on all shots. For shots made using the inside or arch of your foot, the ankle on your kicking leg must be positioned at a right angle to your supporting foot. When using the outside of your foot, position your supporting foot adjacent to the ball with the toes pointing 15 to 30 degrees away from the direction of your target to allow your kicking foot to impact the ball on the outside of your shoelaces. With instep drives, your supporting foot should be in line with the ball with the toes pointed toward your target. Swing your kick in a swift motion from the inside of your laces and accelerate through the ball.
Curve Shots
When you want a curve in your kick, approaching the ball at an angle will make it easier to kick the ball in a direction slightly to the side of your target. Your kicking leg should follow through in the direction of your swing, not your target. Position your supporting foot to the side of the ball with the toes pointed toward or slightly to the side of the target. To kick with the inside of your foot, swing your kicking leg forward and connect the upper part of your big toe to the lower outside of the ball to produce a spin. An outside curve should be taken by swinging your kick forward and aiming for the inside of the ball.
Power
To improve your power, pull your kicking foot back as far as possible before you swing and follow through with your leg. A quicker swing will also improve your power. Focus on the motion of your kick. Weightlifting exercises that build up your quadriceps and hamstrings will help improve your power.
Practice
It never hurts to watch professional players to learn more about kicking technique, but the only way to improve your own technique is by repetition. Practice often and pay attention to your technique while you’re working. You can practice with a friend who can serve the ball back to you or you can use a flat surface such as a wall. Practicing volleys is more difficult if you can’t find a friend to help, but it’s possible if you toss the ball in the air and kick it as it falls.
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