| If you really want to learn to kick a soccer ball, you | | | | Step 1: Your equipment is the most important, a |
| need to determined, persistent and patient. Most | | | | soccer ball (real one!) and soccer shoes. Playing |
| importantly, you need practice. To get yourself | | | | without soccer shoes is not recommended and |
| started, you will need a soccer ball, cleats, and large | | | | playing barefoot should be strictly avoided. |
| clear area so that you can practice. Now let's quickly | | | | Step 2: Now while kicking, take a few steps |
| take a look at some tips to start off. | | | | backward and a step to the side (to the left if |
| 1) Kicking with your toe should be strictly avoided. It | | | | kicking with your right foot and vice versa if you are |
| may seriously injure your toe and you'd surely lose | | | | kicking with your left). This way you are using your |
| control over the ball. | | | | hips to kick the ball with excess power. |
| 2) To avoid slipping and tripping, soccer cleats are | | | | Step 3: Run towards the ball, using your foot which |
| recommended. | | | | you are not using for the kicks to direct the ball by |
| 3) The ball should only be sufficiently pumped, over | | | | placing it about six inches from the ball ground level in |
| pumping would only make it difficult to kick. | | | | the direction that you aim to kick it. |
| 4) You can give additional lift to the ball by leaning | | | | Step 4: Always bring your leg back and then push it |
| over it while kicking. Also make sure that the ball is | | | | forward, with your toe pointing towards the ground. |
| under your foot. | | | | Your foot should strike the ball at the point where |
| 5) If you want to kick the ball further, do not stand | | | | your shoe laces are. |
| directly over it. Instead, lean back while kicking to | | | | Step 5: Having your body lean forward in order to |
| give the ball more height and more power to your | | | | push your weight ahead of the body makes the |
| kick. | | | | soccer kick more powerful. Leaning back after you |
| The above tips will certainly give your kicks more | | | | kick will help you keep your balance. |
| strength. Now we shall take a look at how to kick a | | | | Follow these basic steps of soccer and you might |
| soccer ball CORRECTLY. Following the easy steps | | | | just turn out to be a soccer star some day. |
| below should definitely help. | | | | |