by Craig Buck

Created on: April 28, 2010

Kicking a soccer ball is a fundamental skill that is required in order to play the game.  On the face of it, kicking a ball sounds very straightforward but it is not as simple as that.  Different techniques are required for different types of kick.  Certain kicks require a high degree of accuracy whilst others are more reliant on power.  Learning how to master these techniques and knowing the right time to execute them is going to improve your game significantly.

Kicking with the instep

Most coaches will start off by teaching players to kick with their instep.  This type of kick offers the most accuracy as you are striking the ball with a large flat surface, very similar to the style of a golfer making a putt.  Kicking with the instep is a good way to make short, precise passes to team mates within 20 to 40 yards.  When mastered, this type of kick is particularly useful for playing the ball through tight gaps due to its accuracy levels.  A lot of time and effort is required practising the instep kick but once you have got the hang of it, it is a great skill to take out onto the playing field.

Kicking with the laces

As the name suggests, kicking with the laces involves punting the ball with the narrow, top part of the foot.  This type of kick gives you a lot more power than the instep kick but this is traded off by a loss of accuracy.  If you are prepared to practise, you can improve the accuracy of these kicks meaning you can play 50 to 60 yard passes which are really going to penetrate the opposition's defence.  The kick with laces is also an important style for goalkeepers.  This is the type of kick they will use to return the ball into play, either from a goal kick or from a drop kick out of their hands as this allows them to get the most distance on their kicks.

Kicking with the outside of the foot

This is the hardest type of kick to master.  Kicking with the outside of the foot is a great weapon to have as it allows you to play passes in the opposite direction to which you are running.  This type of kick is usually used over short distances as it is very difficult to generate power due to the area of the foot you are using.  When used properly, it can catch the opposition unaware and allow a team mate a clear run in towards the goal. 

To summarise, there is more than one way kick a soccer ball.  The key to being a successful player is choosing the right method at the right time.

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