[tag-tec]Soccer kicking[/tag-tec] is the primary means of passing the ball from one soccer player to another and of scoring goals. However, it is not always possible to bring the ball to a standstill before kicking it and therefore considerable practice is required to strike the ball whilst it is moving.

Soccer kicking requires balance and timing. Anywhere on the field a player may be required to pass a moving ball particularly one rolling towards the player which is required to be kicked with the first touch either to a team mate or to shoot for goal.

A player must learn to ascertain the speed of moving ball and adjust his body accordingly. The timing, the movement of the body and the leg position are all important to kicking a moving ball accurately. Good soccer is played quickly and with one touch along the ground and is played the way the player is facing. Soccer players and those involved in coaching youth soccer must be conscious of these requirements.

When a [tag-tec]soccer player[/tag-tec] is just starting to learn how to kick a moving ball, they will initially be mainly concerned about where the ball is going as opposed to looking at the ball as the foot strikes it. As the player practices more, they will become skilled in running with the ball while looking at their surroundings, observing where their team mates are as well as the opposition and then when they are about to kick, their eyes focus on the ball until well after it has left the foot.

What To Practice

In pairs, a few meters apart, kick a rolling ball using the inside of the foot (left/right alternatively) along the ground. Do this ten times each foot and try controlling with the inside of the foot and passing back with the same foot.

Coaching Tips

• When using the inside of the foot, the soccer player should be behind the flight of the ball

• Approach the ball straight on

• Take a long last stride to maintain good balance

• Ensure the non kicking foot is pointed towards the target with the body weight resting on the sole.

• The soccer kicking foot is turned outwards from the hip until the inside of the foot is at right angles to the target and the leg is swung back from the hip.

• Swing through the ball from the hip and continue the swing through the center of the ball with the foot finishing in the air.

• Ensure the soccer player is leaning forward to keep the ball low

• Head is steady and is positioned over the ball

• Eyes focused on the ball

Learning to kick a soccer ball either stationery or moving is an essential requirement in becoming a good soccer player. If you are coaching youth soccer, practicing the basics of soccer kicking will help tremendously in developing youth soccer players.