Football Kicks: How to Improve Your Passing, Shooting, and Chipping Skills
Football Kicks: A Complete Guide for Beginners
If you want to play football, you need to know how to kick a ball properly. Kicking is one of the most essential skills in football, as it allows you to pass, shoot, cross, corner, free-kick, and more.
But not all kicks are created equal. There are different types of kicks that you can use in different situations, depending on your position, distance, angle, speed, direction, and intention.
football kicks
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most important types of kicks in football that can enhance your performance and enjoyment of the game. We will explain what each kick is, how to perform it, and when to use it. We will also provide some tips and examples to help you master these kicks.
So, let's get started with the most basic and common type of kick in football: the push kick.
The Push Kick
What is the Push Kick?
The push kick is the simplest and most frequently used type of kick in football. It involves using the inside of your foot to push the ball forward with a gentle and controlled motion. The push kick is also known as the side-foot kick, the instep pass, or the inside-of-the-foot pass.
How to Perform the Push Kick?
To perform the push kick, follow these steps:
Approach the ball at a slight angle, with your non-kicking foot planted next to the ball.
Keep your ankle locked and your toes pointed up, so that the inside of your foot is facing the target.
Swing your kicking leg back slightly, then bring it forward and make contact with the middle of the ball.
Follow through with your kicking leg in the direction of the target, keeping your foot close to the ground.
Some tips to improve your push kick are:
Keep your head down and your eyes on the ball.
Keep your body balanced and your knees bent.
Use your arms for balance and coordination.
Vary the speed and power of your kick depending on the distance and situation.
An example of a good push kick is this one by Lionel Messi, who uses it to pass the ball to his teammate with accuracy and precision:
When to Use the Push Kick?
The push kick is mainly used for passing and controlling the ball in short distances. It is a very effective and reliable way to keep possession of the ball and move it around the field. You can use the push kick to:
Pass the ball to a teammate who is close to you or in front of you.
Receive a pass from a teammate and control it with a soft touch.
Dribble the ball with small touches and change direction quickly.
Clear the ball from danger or start an attack from the back.
The push kick is suitable for any position and situation in football, as long as you have enough space and time to execute it. However, it is not recommended to use it when you need more power or distance, or when you are under pressure from opponents.
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The Laces Kick
What is the Laces Kick?
The laces kick is one of the most powerful and precise types of kicks in football. It involves using the laces of your boot to strike the ball with a lot of force and accuracy. The laces kick is also known as the drive, the shot, or the volley.
How to Perform the Laces Kick?
To perform the laces kick, follow these steps:
Approach the ball at a straight angle, with your non-kicking foot planted behind or next to the ball.
Keep your ankle locked and your toes pointed down, so that the laces of your boot are facing the target.
Swing your kicking leg back as far as you can, then bring it forward and make contact with the lower half of the ball.
Follow through with your kicking leg in an upward motion, keeping it straight and high.
Some tips to improve your laces kick are:
Keep your head down and your eyes on the ball.
Keep your body balanced and lean slightly forward.
Use your arms for balance and coordination.
Aim for a spot on the ball where you want to hit it.
An example of a good laces kick is this one by Cristiano Ronaldo, who uses it to score a stunning goal from outside the box:
When to Use the Laces Kick?
The laces kick is mainly used for shooting and passing over long distances. It is a very effective and reliable way to generate power and speed for the ball. You can use the laces kick to:
Shoot the ball towards the goal from any angle or distance.
Pass the ball to a teammate who is far away or behind the defense.
Clear the ball from danger or start a counter-attack from the back.
Volley the ball in mid-air or after a bounce.
The laces kick is suitable for any position and situation in football, as long as you have enough space and time to execute it. However, it is not recommended to use it when you need more control or finesse, or when you are under pressure from opponents.
The Instep Kick
What is the Instep Kick?
The instep kick is one of the most versatile and creative types of kicks in football. It involves using the top part of your foot to curve or swerve the ball with a lot of spin and movement. The instep kick is also known as the curl, the bend, or the banana kick.
How to Perform the Instep Kick?
To perform the instep kick, follow these steps:
Approach the ball at a diagonal angle, with your non-kicking foot planted next to or behind the ball.
Keep your ankle locked and your toes pointed up, so that the top part of your foot is facing the target.
Swing your kicking leg back slightly, then bring it forward and make contact with the side of the ball.
Follow through with your kicking leg in a curved motion, keeping it close to your body.
Some tips to improve your instep kick are:
Keep your head down and your eyes on the ball.
Keep your body balanced and lean slightly backward.
Use your arms for balance and coordination.
Aim for a spot on the ball where you want to hit it.
An example of a good instep kick is this one by David Beckham, who uses it to score a beautiful free-kick from a difficult angle:
When to Use the Instep Kick?
The instep kick is mainly used for crossing, cornering, and free-kicking. It is a very effective and reliable way to create curves and swerves for the ball. You can use the instep kick to:
Cross the ball into the box from the wing or the corner.
Corner the ball into the goal or to a teammate from the corner flag.
Free-kick the ball over the wall or around the wall from a set-piece.
Bend the ball around or away from the goalkeeper or defender.
The instep kick is suitable for any position and situation in football, as long as you have enough space and time to execute it. However, it is not recommended to use it when you need more power or accuracy, or when you are under pressure from o