The instep drive separates the intermediate player from the beginner who only knows how to do the push pass with the inside of her foot. The instep drive is the term for a powerful kick that uses the kicking leg like a baseball bat to slam the ball with power for distance, unlike the push pass, which mimics a golf putter used for accurate short putts. Another term for the instep drive is kicking the ball "with the laces." In soccer terminology, the instep refers to the top of the shoe or the laces --- the hardest part of the foot --- rather than the side of the foot.
Step 1
Push the ball ahead of you roughly two feet so you can step into it with all of your power. Run up to the ball. Plant your support leg, knee slightly bent, beside the ball so that your support leg's toes point toward your target. Pick a plant spot to the side of the ball, far enough away --- typically about six inches, although the exact distance depends on the player --- so you can swing your kicking leg without stubbing your toes.
Step 2
Draw back the kicking leg and whip it forward, swinging from the hip. Lock your ankle and curl your toes within your shoes. Look down and make forceful contact with the exact middle of the ball with the instep.
Step 3
Lean slightly forward and hold your arms out for balance. Point the toes down so they barely graze the top of the grass surface of the playing field.
Step 4
Follow through, swinging the kicking leg across the front of your body.
Tips and Warnings
- If you are coaching the instep drive to young players, show them and their parents the mechanics of the kick from three vantage points --- the front, side and back. John Harves, former coach of Radford University in Virginia, advises to demonstrate also what not to do, such as letting the ankle flop loosely. Match the correct ball size to the player attempting the instep drive, using a size 3 for children younger than 8, a size 4 for players ages 8 to 12 and size 5 for older youths and adults.
Member Comments