Athletics & Wellness
Grade 4
45 min
Power Kicks: Striking with Your Feet
Let's learn how to kick a ball with power and accuracy! Kicking is a super fun skill for games like soccer and kickball, and helps you play safely and have a great time with friends.
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What & Why
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!
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Example 1 — The Soccer Instep Kick
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.
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Example 2 — The Push Pass
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.
2 more steps in this tutorial
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Beginner
For a powerful soccer shot, which part of your foot should make contact with the ball?
A.Your shoelaces (instep)
B.Your toes
C.Your heel
D.The inside of your foot
Beginner
You are playing soccer and your teammate is open for a goal, but they are far down the field. What is the BEST kick to use to get the ball to them?
A.A gentle push pass with the inside of your foot.
B.A powerful instep kick using your shoelaces.
C.A kick with your toes.
D.A kick with your heel.
Beginner
What is the main job of your non-kicking foot when you are preparing to kick a ball?
A.To kick the ball if you miss with the other foot.
B.To provide balance and help you aim.
C.To jump off the ground right before you kick.
D.To tap the ball gently first.
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