How to kick a soccer ball properly?

Position your planter foot. It should be pointed in the direction you want the ball to go. You should also bend your foot and kick the ball with your toe pointed down at the ground. There's a sweet spot on your foot, halfway up your laces, that you should try to use to drive the ball every time.

Where on your foot should you kick a soccer ball?

Standard shot: Use the area around the knuckle of your big toe to kick the ball. Straight shot: Use the area around the laces of your shoes to kick the ball. Inside shot: Kick the ball with the inside of your foot. Chip shot: Use any part of your foot for this shot.

How to kick a soccer ball without hurting your toe?

Swing your leg across and out to hit the ball with the inside of your foot. Keep your knee bent in the V-position and point your toe down and angled out at about a 4-o'clock angle. Swing your leg slightly outward and across the front of your body so the inside of your foot is aimed at the ball.

What are the 5 steps to kick a soccer ball?

This is a step by step tutorial on how to properly kick a soccer ball. Step 1: The Approach. When preparing to kick a soccer ball, you must first approach the ball. ... Step 2: Plant Foot. ... Step 3: Striking the Ball. ... Step 4: Follow Through. ... Step 5: Putting It All Together. ... 2 Comments.

Why does kicking a soccer ball hurt?

Groin Pull: The muscles of the inner thigh get stretched beyond their normal position, often as a result of kicking the ball too hard. Hamstring Strains and Rupture: The movements of soccer place constant strain on this area, from running to suddenly stopping. With time, a player can experience a sprain or muscle tear.

What part of the brain is kicking a soccer ball?

The cerebrum is the thinking part of the brain and it controls your voluntary muscles — the ones that move when you want them to. So you need your cerebrum to dance or kick a soccer ball. You need your cerebrum to solve math problems, figure out a video game, and draw a picture.

Soccer toe, or “turf toe,” is a term used to describe severely bruised toes or sprained ligaments in an athlete's foot. This injury is caused either by repeated impacts against the soccer ball and or by extreme ligament contortions sustained during the game.

How do you protect your big toe in soccer?

Choose a high-quality soccer shoe that fits your feet well while you are wearing thick, protective socks, and get two pair of shoes so that one pair can dry out thoroughly between games. Have multiple pairs of thick, protective socks. Keep your toenails well-trimmed.

What is the best way to kick a kick ball?

Your kicking leg should be co*cked back ready to swing into the ball. The further your planted foot is from your kicking foot, the more power you will be able to drive thru the ball. When you swing your leg forward lock your ankle and try to use the top of your foot, connecting your laces with the ball.

How to Kick a Soccer Ball Safely (2024)

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Soccer (more commonly known as football) is the most popular sport in the world. With over 4 billion fans worldwide, its popularity continues to grow every year. In fact, the number of people watching the 2022 FIFA World Cup is expected to increase one and a half times compared to 2018! With popularity on the rise, it’s only natural that more people are trying their own feet at the game. Start with the basics and learn how to kick a soccer ball safely.

Common Injuries in Soccer

Soccer includes physical contact, stop-and-go movements, and powerful motions. Injuries in soccer are less common than in American football but higher than in basketball and baseball. Overall, soccer has a moderate risk for injury. But this shouldn’t discourage you from playing the game! Here are some of the most common injuries you’ll see among soccer players:

ACL injuries
Cruciate ligament injuries
Meniscus injuries
Ankle sprains
Achilles tendonitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Groin overextension
Hamstring strains
IT band injuries
Plantar fasciitis
Shin splints
Tendonitis

Soccer players can experience injuries because of overuse, sudden impact (with the ground or other players), improper form/technique, or a number of other reasons. Learning how to properly kick a soccer ball will help you prevent injuries caused by improper technique. Before you start, determine your dominant leg. This is the leg that it feels most natural to kick with. Once you know which leg you favor when kicking the ball, you can learn the basic kicks.

Types of Kicks in Soccer

Passing

Passing is one of the most basic kicks in soccer. When you pass the ball, make sure you prepare in three ways:

Have the ball a few feet in front of you. This distance will vary depending on how long your stride is. Over time you’ll develop a distance that feels comfortable.
Put your stabilizing (non-kicking) foot next to the ball. Point it in the direction you want the ball to go. This will help balance you as you lift your opposite leg to kick.
Strike the middle of the ball firmly with the inside of your foot. Hitting the middle of the ball will keep it on the ground and make it much easier for your teammate to receive it.

Chipping

Chipping the ball comes in handy when you want to clear the ball a far distance, score a goal, or in any other situation where you want to get the ball off of the ground.

How to chip the ball:

The setup is the same as when you want to pass the ball, but how you strike the ball varies slightly.
Use the side of your shoe up to your laces to chop under the ball. Aim for the lower ⅓ of the ball. You’ll end up leaning back slightly to angle the ball up.
Have your foot cleanly follow the ball and slightly scrape the field. You’ll then land on your kicking leg.

Shooting

Shooting the ball is a powerful kick that needs to be precise for scoring. It needs to be forceful enough to avoid the goalkeeper and too strong to be caught.

How to shoot the ball:

Have the ball a few feet in front of you. Keep the same distance as when passing and chipping.
Put your non-kicking foot next to the ball. Make sure to point it in the direction you want the ball to go.
When you move through to kick, point your kicking foot at the ground and strike the ball with your laces. Lock your ankle for maximum power (and to prevent injury). Your laces should meet the middle of the ball. Move your whole body through the motion and land on your shooting foot.

Dribbling

Dribbling is a basic technique used to move the ball up and down the field. You’ll need to dribble constantly throughout the game.

How to dribble:

Use your laces to dribble the ball instead of an instep stride (using the inside of your feet). This will allow you to run faster and push the ball forward while quickly striding after it.
Keep your eyes up! This will allow you to scan the field and prepare for when you approach the defenders. This will also help you safely know where you’re going.
Simplify your moves and attack the space when you attack the defenders. The more pressure you put on the defender, the better the odds are that they mess up during the attack.
Just because you beat a defender 1v1, that doesn’t mean your job is done. You need to be able to run and dribble fast enough to get away from them. Rapidly accelerate up the field and move towards the goal!

We hope this helps you learn the proper techniques for basic kicks in soccer. If you have experienced an injury and need sports rehabilitation, we’re always open to accepting new patients. Contact ISMI today to learn more about sports rehabilitation!

*Please always consult your physician before beginning any sport or exercise program. This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. Consult with your healthcare professional to design an appropriate exercise prescription. If you experience any pain or difficulty with these exercises, stop and consult your healthcare provider.

Whitney Schrader2022-11-21T16:25:48-07:00September 15th, 2022||