Those kicking techniques

Monday we tried some specific kicking techniques, and I think maybe we all agree now that there are different kicks for different situations.

We tried:

Lofting the ball with backspin to send it over the defenders, using a angled approach, wider stance, and a little bit of a "slice" underneath the ball.

Striking the ball, putting our weight straight through it, which makes the ball go low and hard into the net, not over it. Sometimes we got this right, letting our bodies go forward, our weight coming completely off the support leg, and landing on the kicking leg.

These techniques are not terribly easy, and take a little time to learn, but they are more weapons to put in your soccer arsenal. Play around with them and see what you can do.

The kicks are demonstrated very nicely in the video "Soccer Secrets & Fitness with Mia Hamm - Intermediate". You can find this video tape at your local library. Skip the boring parts and just watch their techniques - especially the Slo-Mo where you can see how professional soccer players really kick the ball.

Have fun!