Converting a Toe Poker to a Soccer Style Kicker

[theonekaos]

I have used all parts of my foot for anything during a game. Except when it comes to a power shot for goal, it'll be the Big toe called up for service. I have tried teaching myself I guess to slam it like everyone else does. But my ankle will always hyperextend and hurts like hell. Then after, I can't point my toe up and flex my ankle up either.

Have any of you been able to convert?
I really love my toe poking power becuz I don't have to have that just right angle to the ball or goal. I have been doing it longer than many of you been alive, LOL. But I thought I'd give it a try.

[Kevin8833]

Yea, I converted when I was about 12, I went out to a public field with a goal by myself and just took shot after shot until I got used to it.

[ctsoccer13]

When you flatten out your foot, try to curl your toes. It can help to create a natural lock in your ankle. Also, a lot of "toe pokers" take the same path to the ball that they do when trying to get out of the habit. You need to come from more of an angle and not so straight forward. That will also help you out. My experience with toe pokers is that they come straight at the ball to kick it, insead of coming more from a sideways angle. You can google it and check out the different techniques, but here is a pic of what I'm talking about versus a toe poke:

http://www.soccer-fans-info.com/image-files/how-to-kick-a-soccer-ball2.jpg

http://www.sport4all.org/Images/SoccerGoalKick-format.jpg

[theonekaos]

Thanks ctsoccer13. Curling the toes is something I would have never thought of. And the pics are great, especially the kid. When the ball has the slightest bounce, I'll nail it with the top of my foot. But if it is still, like in a penalty kick, forget it, I'll break my foot/ankle. But I'll give the angle approach thing a shot, as well as the toe curling. Thx.

[theonekaos]

....argh!! My avatar is so small !!...and she so hot.

[BigRed1123]

Break toe as a result from toe-poking = find an alternative way to kick.

but seriously, go to a wall and repeatedly strike the ball with your instep and the inside part of your foot, practice makes perfect.