Pinellas Park United

Kicking

Kicking is a fundamental and versatile technique used for passing, shooting and clearing. True footballers refer to it as striking the ball because it sounds more controlled.

How to strike the ball
There are two general types of kicks based on the position of the ball, ground kicks and volleys.

Ground kicks
On ground strikes in particular, the placement of one's supporting foot is just as important as the kicking leg. In order to produce a quality kick you'll need balance. The right way to keep your balance is to plant your supporting foot in line with the ball. By stepping slightly behind, you will produce a rising ball. Most young players who were not taught properly, are not aware of keeping the supporting foot in line with the ball. They always loft it when trying to kick harder.
In order to get the maximum power from a strike, the knee of your kicking leg has to be above or in line with the ball at the exact moment you make contact.
The follow-through is the sweeping motion of your kicking leg after you've contacted the ball. Usually, you should follow-through in the direction of your aim. If you have trouble understanding this concept, try landing on your kicking foot after you strike the ball.

Volleys
When striking the ball in the air, proper balance is essential. Therefore, you need to adjust to the flight of the ball through quick adjustments in your footing. You are ready to swing, only after you have positioned yourself in a comfortable position. You should not attempt a volley, if you feel that you are reaching too far or when the ball is so close that it will impair your swing.
Some situations may require jumping and volleying at the same time. You must time your leap, just as if you were taking a header.

How to practice kicking
The best way to practice your technique is against a keeper (or a friend) who consistently serves the ball back to you. If that is rarely an option, then a smooth wall which is at least half a meter high and 2 meters wide can be a nice replacement. Beginners should work with dead balls (meaning they must trap before kicking) while advanced players can practice striking it as it rebounds. At first, you must concentrate on your technique, and progressively move towards accuracy of placement. The addition of power should be the final step of your kicking workout. Various challenges are also applicable, such as aiming at a target on the wall or dribbling (in random directions) before you kick. Being able to strike the ball from any situation will improve all aspects of your game which include kicking such as passing, finishing, clearing and so on. In order to learn the proper mechanics, practice these exercises with as few interruptions as possible.
A friend can be very useful when you're working on your volleys. Ask him to throw the ball at your feet and try to hit it back to his hands without letting it bounce. Practicing volleys is slightly more of a hassle when you're alone, but it can still be done. Simply toss the ball (or kick it) upwards and strike in a composed manner as it drops down. Make sure you adjust to it its path - don't swing if you can't reach it.

Different methods of striking the ball

Inside of the foot (push pass) Put your supporting foot about 10 cm to the side of the ball with your toes pointed in direction of your target. With your ankle locked at about 90 degrees, bring your kicking leg back and swing through the equator of the ball. Your kicking ankle must be perpendicular to your supporting foot. Contact the ball with the arch of your foot and follow-through in the direction of your target. When well executed, the ball will roll smoothly rather than bounce along the ground.
Outside of the foot When planting your supporting foot next to the ball, your toes have to be directed about 15-30 degrees outward from your target. This will let you drive straight at your target, hitting the ball with the outside of your laces.
Instep drive Place your supporting foot in line with the ball and toes aimed at your target. Bring your kicking foot as far back as you can, in order to get the longest possible swing. When you swing forward, accelerate your foot as if you're kicking through the ball. The toes and the ankle of your kicking foot should be stretched and locked (similarly to a ballet dancer). To keep the shot low, meet the ball at the equator or slighly above it. Strike the ball with the inside of your shoelaces and follow through in the direction of your target.
Inside curve Position your supporting foot to the side of the ball with toes aimed at your target or slightly to the side of it, depending on the direction of your desired curve. To gain power, retrieve your kicking leg back, but not too much or you'll lose accuracy. Swing forward with your kicking foot and meet the ball with the upper part of your big toe. "Slice" the ball not in the center but low on the outside, so that a spin will be produced. Follow through in the direction of your swing (not directly towards your target).
Outside curve If you're kicking the ball with your right foot put your supporting foot on the left side of the ball or vice versa. The toes of your supporting foot should be aimed at your target or slightly turned in the direction of the curve. Bring your kicking foot as far back as possible and swing forward aiming for the inside part of the ball. Again, if you're kicking with your left foot, then aim for the right side of the ball (the one closer to the supporting foot). Use the area of your foot around the outside of the shoelaces down to the pinky-toe. Remember to follow-through in the direction of the swing.
Chip Your supporting foot should be planted next to the ball with toes pointed at the target. Quickly swing your kicking foot back and then forward without moving the thigh. Sharply cut the ball from the bottom with the the tip of your toes. This will produce a lofted ball that is spinning vertically towards you.
Volley The volley is a kick used when the ball is above ground. In terms of technique, it follows the same principles as the instep drive. Producing a good volley is largely determined by your timing. Concentrate on when to swing rather than where to contact the ball or trying to hit it real hard. If you strike the ball at the right time, it will have enough power and you'll get more control over its direction. Do not lean backwards when you use this technique because that will loft the ball. Make small adjustments in your footing so that you have good balance prior to your actual swing.