I used to kick realy accurately but not that powerfully. Howeva i bought the'really bend it like beckham dvd' to learn how to take free kicks. i practiced for a week and got good, but wen i tried to kick normally i could only bend the ball. So i watched pros on tv for like a week, and eventually reaslised i must swing my leg back more and bend it. now i ve got my accuracy back and i can kick nearly fom goal to goal. Long story short, - try to swing ur leg back more and bend it bfore u kick it. it helped me
Another way is to kick with the ball hitting just above your outside 3 toes. Basically nowhere near the big toe. If you strike this right, you will be the owner of a cannon shot. Your leg basically doesn't go straight back to front. It actually cuts across your body. And as not as you don't do anything with your foot in terms of adding extra spin, it should fly pretty straight and pretty fast.
Relevent threads from the last year: Long-range shots on the run Power while bending Shooting Shooting a ball with no spin The Perfect Shot Shooting accurately from distance Shooting-no power in my kick hitting the ball Outside spin Keeping Powerful Shots Low In 5 And 11 A Side?
Studies say that muscle is what makes the big difference, after you have learned a technique the amount of muscle in your thighs will determine most of power.
Good point, by the way. You can sure build your legs in a gym but these movements will never be equal to the real movements of your legs when you kick the ball.
This is true. Working on your technique is the fastest way to improve your kicking power. I've seen a lot of players with much stronger legs then mine but have very weak shot. Having a strong leg is one thing, knowing how to make the ball go fast is another thing. Just imagine how you would throw a card (poker card), alot of arm strenght doesn't matter, it's the way you throw it that matters.
Fair enough. Use the links in astabooty's post, much of the advice contained therein is really good stuff. I vote for the "more technique than power" method. It's all about where you strike the ball, and how fast your foot is moving (and in what direction) when it contacts. Naturally, you have to adjust your body mechanics to properly do these things. I.e. technique.
Well, of course technique is very important, but it is very easily reached at its top, and after that the only thing that will make a difference is the muscle growth, this came from a study a few months ago from a Spanish article, here is the link: www.elmundo.es/salud/2004/587/1096063218.html
Well, you're right. But strenght can only gain over time, not over night. The fastest way is to improve your technique. While you're practicing your techniques, your strenght will gain too. But while you're lifting weight in the gym, you're not improving your techniques at all. And how do you know that you have reached the top of your technique?
It's 95% technique. Just a couple of weeks ago I was unable to kick the ball any further then a 1/3rd of the field. Now I can kick well over half the field. Here's my little checklist: 1-Look at the ball when you strike it. 2-Strike with your instep. You don't have to approach at an angle, but you do have to lock your ankle and point it to the side somewhat. 3-Most important: You need to take a LONG last stride and place your supporting foot parallel to the ball. A long last step will allow you to swing your kicking leg back properly and naturally. 4-Whatever you do you CAN'T slow down on the approach. Make your approach shorter but you need to keep accelerating as youre approaching the ball. 5-DON'T CLIP THE PITCH WITH YOUR CLEATS. You need to literally learn how to lunge with your supporting leg right before you kick. That is key.
this guy is telling the truth because my coach taught me some techniques, wat you do is swing ur leg back more and if you want height on the ball what you do is hit the bottom of the ball wit your laces and sort of scoop ur leg up.
Thanks for the posts they've helped quite a bit...scored a screamer from 30 yards off a free kick in training One thing a coach helped me with is to leave your leg relaxed in the backswing and then tense it up when it comes in contact with the ball. This actually works Another thing the guy said was to follow through, especially on bending shots. This makes the shot more accurate and puts more bend on it.
i used to have a weak kick but i was told to start kicking a basketball and now my kick is really hard and yah use a basketball it really works make sure the ball is pumped up though cuz there is no point kicking and empty ball
I started putting my old crappy adidas finale sportivo under water for 30 min before I went out to kick the ball around. It becomes damn heavy and yeah I would say it improved my kicking power a bit.