Power Kicks: Striking with Your Feet

Striking with your feet, or kicking, is how you move a ball in many awesome sports. Learning to kick properly helps you send the ball where you want it to go, either with power to score a goal or with control to pass to a teammate.Good kicking skills not only make games more fun, but they also help prevent injuries by using your body in a safe and strong way. It's all about balance, timing, and practice!

This is your power kick! Use it when you want to send the ball far and fast, like taking a shot on goal in soccer.Approach: Take a few steps toward the ball.Plant Foot: Place your non-kicking foot beside the ball, pointing toward your target.Backswing: Swing your kicking leg back from the hip to build up power.Contact: Swing your leg forward and strike the middle of the ball with the hard, bony part of your foot where your shoelaces are. Keep your ankle locked!Follow-Through: Let your leg continue to swing forward and upward in the direction of your target. This gives the ball power and direction.

This is your accuracy kick. Use it for short, controlled passes to a teammate who is close by.Stance: Stand facing your target, with the ball slightly in front of your kicking foot.Plant Foot: Place your non-kicking foot next to the ball, aimed at your teammate.Prepare to Kick: Turn your kicking foot sideways, so the inside of your foot is facing the ball, like you're opening a door.Contact: Gently swing your leg and 'push' the center of the ball with the inside of your foot.Follow-Through: Your follow-through should be short and low to the ground, aimed right at your target.