Think You've Mastered Every Type Of Soccer Kick In The Game? Think Again!

A quality soccer kick much like anything takes time, repetition and knowledge of the right ball needed to be served in.

If you want to become an expert and improve your free kicks, penalty kicks, bicycle kicks, corners or goal kicks then search no further.

There are so many different positions on a field where you can hit a ball from and each takes a unique touch of class.

Specific explanations and tips from professional players and settings to help you understand every unique kicking situation on the pitch. Expert advice on how to deal with it mentally as well as physically, especially with those pk's, nervous yet Baggio? or should I say Becks.

An important thing to note when learning new kicking techniques is not to all of a sudden be in a hurry to learn them all.

Waking up every single day and practice each one for a certain amount of time won't get you anywhere. Much like studying for a test, when learning any new skill it's best to devote all of your focus and hard work into one until you have it down then move on to the next one.

This generally takes thousands of repetitions and at least several weeks if not months of constant work. The reason it's done this way is so you can see the progression and gain confidence from seeing that progression and improvement in the skill.

Some of you may learn quicker kick techniques quicker than others because of your playing background with that skill, but we all need work and reps.

Now if you're really looking to read into the science and physiology behind a simple soccer kick then feel free to read this in depth interesting article about the The Physics of Kicking A Soccer Ball.

Free Kick (Direct)

The Direct Free Kick is a fairly simple concept to understand.

It's when a player is fouled with a direct shooting or scoring opportunity.

Similar to a shooting foul in basketball.

This means a player can hit the ball directly on goal from where the ball is spotted. Again the referee (whom we all love) decides whether it is a direct free kick.

Hitting a dead ball can be easier and a different skill all together then a ball that is moving so be sure to practice both as they will both present themselves in a match.

Free Kick (Indirect)

Now an Indirect Free Kick is similar but with one small stipulation, pay attention now.

If the man in charge deems the foul to be an in-direct free kick this is when the player is fouled from an in-direct scoring opportunity or off of a hand ball etc.

At this point the ball has to touch another player before it can go in the goal, let your imagination run wild with this multi run soccer kick.

You're going to need a good partner in crime if you're going to try some trickery to beat the defence so be sure to rehearse it to avoid embarrassment on the pitch.

Bicycle Kick

Bicycle Kick you say? Don't hurt yourself now.

A bike is a tough skill to pull off, if your vertical is measured in paper sheets this isn't for you. Pulling off a bike takes timing, skill, accuracy and courage.

If you pull it off you'll get your respect, if you miss the ball and have nothing but a medical bill to show for it, well at least you'll have a story. This skill is explained by pro's with video example and key things to remember about pulling it off, yes yes you can practice on your bed if it makes you happy.

No doubt the most difficult of any soccer kick in the game and one that will hurt every body part when landing whether you like it or not.

Penalty Kick

Last Penalty Kick to decide the match, you ready?

Pk's as we all know can be your best friend or worst enemy.

Winning on pk's feels great, losing feels like the end of the world. Learn to finish a penalty like a pro every time with outlined advice, video and tips showing the way to the promise land.

Last PK for the win, see how to master this soccer kick and it'll be like money in the bank. It's unfortunate that you will never be able to deal with the nerves and stress that comes with a penalty kick to win or lose the back in training.

With that being said you have to learn from being in that situation so step up with confidence and let the chips lands wherever they may.

Corner Kick

An effective Corner Kick can be a teams deadliest set piece if they can run and execute it properly.

All good professional teams have at least two or three different corners they run.

The most critical part of it is the service, there is no substitute for a hard driven ball in. Make sure to stick to the fundamentals of any soccer kick when striking a corner kick.

Corner kicks can come in all types of forms such as a driven, chipped, whipped and even played short to throw off the defenders. Be sure to get your reps up in all of them so you are ready for the type of ball your coach wants you to play in.

Goal Kick

A Goal Kick is a pretty simple soccer kick in comparison to the others.

It can be hit by any player but generally is taken by the goalie from their own six yard box.

Making sure to get up and under the ball and not miss hitting it possibly causing a scoring opportunity for the opponent.

Explanations and techniques explained by professional players on the goal kick page. More and more coaches are playing goal kicks short so be sure to get some reps in on the ground to the right, left and centrally.

Top 5 Ways To Improve Every Soccer Kick In The Game

With every type of kick in soccer there are certain fundamental technical attributes that can be applied to all of them and are important to master.

If you figure out how to learn a new skill in record time look to apply that across all the new kicking skills you try and add to your game.

Below you will find proven ways to teach yourself and develop new kicking skills if of course you put the work in necessary, good luck!

1. Reps!

No magic fairy dust here, outworking everybody and putting in practice on whichever kick you are training is vital.

Now there is a difference between going to the park and kicking the ball around without a clear intention for a couple hours and specifically planning to get better on one thing.

Choose the skill you want to work on (bicycle kick, free kick etc) and get 50 plus repetitions in that one skill.

Make adjustments, try new things and intentionally run through all the fundamentals over and over again.

2. Increase Flexibility

To be able to hit a ball in any ways you desire you need a wide range of motion from your leg.

The higher and further you can extend your leg before and after contact with the ball plays a big role in how accurate and far you can hit it.

With that said increasing the flexibility in both legs is important, add some yoga or a stretching routine and try increase your flexibility slowly after time and watch the gains you will get on any and all of your kicks.

3. Strengthen Your Leg

No surprise here. If you want to hit the ball further whether it's a goal kick, corner kick or anything else you will need a strong leg.

To increase the strength in your leg add both a body weight strength program and a weight program to increase your leg strength in both legs.

If you've ever seen a professional player play on TV or live you will see the well built muscle exploding out of their shorts all over the legs.

4. Watch The Pro's

There is no way better to learn how to kick a ball than watching a pro do it and then trying it yourself.

Pick your favourite player or team to watch and examine how they kick the ball in the way you are trying to do it as well.

Throughout the course of a game you will see all types of different was on how to kick a ball so take some mental notes and try it yourself next time you are out on the field working on your craft.

5. Technique Video Review

Everyone has a smart phone these days with a camera so why not use it to your advantage.

Next time your at the part working on your game set up your phone (or have a friend hold it) and film yourself working on your leg swing.

Whether it's a penalty kick, free kick, goal kick or anything else try a handful of each kick and review the video later.

What you should be looking for is all the proper technical pieces like where your plant leg is, what part of your foot you're hitting it with, arm swing, body shape and all the rest.

Top 5 Tips To Improve Your Technique With Every Soccer Kick In The Game

Whether it's left or right mastering soccer kick techniques in soccer is essential to growing any and all parts of your kicking game.

Go down the list and make sure you are doing all of these when hitting the ball and if you aren't then look to add a thing or two to become a true master of the fundamentals of kicking.

1. Locked Foot/Ankle

No matter which kick you are trying to execute having a locked foot or ankle will allow for greater power and contact with the ball.

Even the though angle of the foot or where you hit the ball may differ the foot and ankle being in a strong locked position surely won't change so get used to doing it.

2. Plant Foot Position

The plant foot is an important piece of the stability, accuracy and power for all soccer kicks that come about in a game.

Although it will slightly differ roughly place the plant foot half a yard from the ball and point it towards the direction you are aiming, think of it as your aiming scope.

3. Head Down

Keep your head down and eye one the ball.

Not only will this help with your concentration to hit the ball exactly where you are aiming but it's also good mechanics not allowing your body to lean back to far and loosing control on the ball accuracy.

Keeping your head down and focused on the ball is good practice for any soccer kick in the game.

No need to look at where your shot is going too early, fully focus on making solid contact with the ball all the way through.

4. Arm Swing

To gain some momentum (which will help with the power you put towards the ball) remember when approaching the ball to swing your arm upwards and over your head just moments before you make contact with the ball.

Some of us do this without even noticing but it also opens up your body to allow for more range of motion for your leg and hips.

Next time you go to hit a ball try doing it with holding your arms by your side and you'll really notice the difference it makes for power, range and overall balance.

5. Hit Under The Ball

Whether it's a goal kick, corner kick, free kick or bicycle kick you are going to need to hit in the middle or bottom third of the ball.

90% of every soccer kick you will come across while playing you will be aiming in the middle/bottom third of the ball so get used to it and make it one of your habits.