| Learning how to kick a soccer ball correctly takes | | | | unnecessary injury. |
| determination, persistence and practice! The only | | | | Step 1: Start with the right equipment - a real soccer |
| things you'll really need to get started are a soccer | | | | ball and the right shoes. Playing barefoot is not |
| ball, cleats (if possible to help avoid slipping on the dirt | | | | recommended. |
| or grass), a large clear area to practice and, of | | | | Step 2: Next, take a few steps backward and one or |
| course, strong legs. | | | | two steps to the side (to the right if kicking with |
| Here are a few tips to get you started: | | | | your right foot, or the left if kicking with your left |
| ·Never kick with your toe - you will lose | | | | foot). This will enable you to use your hips for more |
| control of the ball and you might seriously hurt | | | | power. |
| yourself. | | | | Step 3: Run towards the ball, using your plant foot |
| ·Wear soccer cleats if possible for the best | | | | (the one you are not kicking) to direct the ball by |
| ground traction. | | | | placing it about six inches from the ball facing in the |
| ·Do not over-pump the ball - it makes it | | | | direction you want the ball to go. |
| more difficult to kick. | | | | Step 4: Pull your leg back, swing it forward, pointing |
| ·Give the ball more lift by making sure that | | | | your toe toward the ground. Your foot should strike |
| the ball is under your foot and you are leaning over it | | | | the ball at about the point where your shoelaces are. |
| when you kick. | | | | Step 5: Follow through your kick with a small leap. |
| ·For the best distance and height on the ball, | | | | Learn to lean your body forward, pushing your |
| don't stand directly over it when kicking it, although | | | | weight ahead of you, to make your soccer kick |
| you do need to kick the ball straight on and stand as | | | | more powerful. And, make sure that your hip is |
| straight as possible, while lifting your foot slightly. | | | | pivoting (or reaching) back, not your knee for the |
| Make it go higher by leaning back just a bit. | | | | most power. |
| Knowing these quick tips will help you give your | | | | Following these simple steps won't make you a |
| soccer kicks more strength and power, but how do | | | | soccer star overnight, but it will give you the basics |
| you kick a soccer ball correctly in the first place? | | | | to finding your own strength and talent on the |
| Follow these easy to follow steps to help give your | | | | soccer field. |
| kick more power, height and strength and to avoid | | | | |