In soccer, a drop-kick can refer to two different situations involving the goalkeeper. The first is similar to a punt in football, with the goalkeeper clearing the ball by dropping and kicking it before it hits the ground. The second is a variation on this, with the keeper bouncing the ball and kicking it before it hits the ground again. While both allow the keeper to clear the ball, the techniques and rules surrounding these two drop kicks differ.
Rules
According to FIFA's 2011-2012 Laws of the Game, a goalkeeper can pick up and handle the ball only in her own penalty area. Once she picks up the ball, other players cannot challenge her for it. This allows her to throw or kick the ball to teammates either nearby or on the other side of the field. She must do so within six seconds, however, because handling the ball for longer than this can result in the referee awarding a free kick to the opposing team. Since bouncing and dropping the ball both factor into this handling time limit, a keeper must quickly decide how she wishes to pass or clear the ball.
Drop Kick
The drop kick is a popular method of clearing the ball. By releasing the ball just above his foot before kicking it, a keeper leaves little room for a nearby interception. Because other players cannot challenge him while he handles the ball, this briefly allows the keeper to track his players as they run up the field. Although this freedom helps him to aim his kick, a keeper cannot leave his penalty area during a drop kick. Based on the position of the opposing team's attackers and distance to his teammates, a keeper may choose a bounce kick instead.
Bounce Kick
Despite being riskier, the bounce kick can improve a keeper's long-distance accuracy. By bouncing the ball from her penalty area, the keeper can then leave that area to kick the ball. This allows the keeper to perform her clearing attempt from a position closer to the opposing team's goal. Thanks to the reduced distance to her team's attacking players, the bounce kick can increase the accuracy and speed of the keeper's clearing attempt. While this may help her to set up a play from afar, she risks losing control of the ball because of a bad bounce or an interception.
The Methodology
With the ball in your hands, take two or three steps at an angle before dropping it. Begin your kick before releasing the ball, planting your non-kicking foot so that your toe points in the direction of your kick. Do not bounce the ball forcefully or toss it high into the air because this affects your accuracy, momentum and power. It also increases your risk of losing control because of a bad bounce or interception. Pull your kicking leg back and lock your ankle as you drop or bounce the ball, and then swing the leg forward to strike the ball at or below knee height. Follow through with your kick, keeping your toe pointed downward throughout.
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