by Chris Hester

Created on: December 04, 2008   Last Updated: January 13, 2009

Trying to kick a field goal without the proper technique can be one of the more frustrating things you will ever try. Luckily, you are going to overcome this hurdle or should I say this kick. You are going to learn the fundamentals to kicking a field goal.

Today you will learn these steps and in the matter of days you will be kicking balls through the center of the uprights.

When learning how to kick a field goal, everything starts with proper ball placement. To set up for a field goal kick, you need to have the holder kneel on the opposite side of the ball from where you will be running.

The ball should be placed on the ground with the laces facing away from you almost perpendicular to the ground. However, there should be a slight angle toward you. The holder should place the fingertips of their middle and index finger on top of the ball, gently applying pressure so the ball stays in place.

Take three to four steps back and two steps to the side (in the opposite direction as your kicking foot). Run toward the ball, starting with the foot that you will not be kicking with.

Plant your non kicking foot about one foot to the side of the ball. Make sure your foot is pointing in the direction you want to kick the ball. With your kicking foot, power through the ball, try to make contact with the ball about one third of the way from the bottom tip.

To get maximum distance, kick the ball with the top two inner shoelace holes of your shoes. Follow through as much as your body will allow you to!

Here are few tips that might help the process of kicking a field goal easier for you:

Keep everything in line with the target from your feet to your hips and shoulders.

Approach the ball at a diagonal instead of straight on.

If the ball keeps missing short, you can try kicking more toward the middle of it to add distance.

Try to make sure your kicking foot goes straight through your target after you have kicked. This will ensure that your body stays square.

Don't get frustrated if you don't make your first few attempts, if you miss, get the ball and try again. Remember everything that you do was learned through practice. If you don't give up, you will be surprised how quickly you are making field goals you never thought you were capable of making.

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