Kicking a football may seem simple, but doing it properly requires technique, balance, timing, and precision. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basics or an experienced player wanting to improve your kicking accuracy, mastering the proper form is essential.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to properly kick a football — from foot placement and body position to follow-through — along with pro tips and drills to help you improve your distance, control, and consistency.
Why Learning to Kick Properly Matters
Kicking is one of the most important skills in football, whether you’re playing American football or soccer.
In American football, it can decide the outcome of a game — from kickoffs to field goals. In soccer, it affects every aspect of play — from passing and shooting to penalties and free kicks.
Learning how to properly kick a football helps you:
Increase your power and distance
Improve accuracy and control
Reduce the risk of injury
Build confidence during games
Enhance your overall performance as a player
Step-by-Step: How to Properly Kick a Football
Let’s break down the process into simple, repeatable steps that can help you kick with power and accuracy every time.
Step 1: Choose the Right Football and Setup Area
Start with the right type of football for your game:
American Football: Choose a regulation-sized football and a kicking tee for practice.
Soccer: Use a standard size 5 ball for adults, or smaller sizes for youth players.
Pick a flat, open area such as a field or practice ground. Make sure there’s enough space behind the ball for your run-up.
Step 2: Set the Ball Properly
Your ball setup affects your accuracy.
For soccer, place the ball on the ground, ensuring the valve isn’t facing you (for smoother contact).
For American football, position the ball on a tee with a slight forward tilt — this helps create lift.
Take a few steps back and to the side (usually 2–3 steps back, 1–2 steps to the left for right-footed players).
Step 3: Focus on Body Position and Balance
Your body mechanics determine the accuracy and power of your kick.
Keep your eyes on the ball at all times.
Stand tall but slightly lean forward.
Relax your upper body — tension kills power.
Bend your support knee slightly for balance.
Your non-kicking foot should point toward your target — this is crucial for aiming your kick properly.
Step 4: Time Your Run-Up
Your approach sets up the rhythm of your kick.
Take controlled, balanced steps toward the ball — not too fast or long.
On the last step, plant your non-kicking foot about 6–8 inches beside the ball.
Keep your body slightly over the ball to avoid kicking it too high.
This balanced motion helps generate both stability and momentum.
Step 5: Strike the Ball with the Correct Part of Your Foot
This step is where technique truly matters.
For Soccer Kicks:
Use the instep (laces) for powerful long shots or clearances.
Use the inside of your foot for short, accurate passes.
For curve shots, strike the ball slightly off-center with your instep.
For American Football Kicks:
Contact the ball with the top of your foot (laces) for power.
Keep your toes pointed down and ankle locked.
Aim to hit the lower half of the ball for lift and distance.
Always follow through toward your target to maintain accuracy and momentum.
Step 6: Master the Follow-Through
After you strike the ball, your follow-through controls its direction and distance.
Keep your kicking leg moving forward smoothly — don’t stop abruptly.
Let your foot finish pointing toward your target.
Maintain balance by using your arms to counter movement.
A proper follow-through ensures the ball travels straight and with consistent power.
Drills to Improve Your Kicking Technique
To get better at kicking a football, consistency is key. Here are a few simple drills to build accuracy, power, and control:
1. Target Practice Drill
Place cones, posts, or small goals at different distances and aim to hit them. This improves accuracy and focus.
2. One-Step Kicks
Take a single step before kicking. This helps you focus on contact and balance instead of power.
3. Wall Rebound Drill (Soccer)
Kick the ball against a wall repeatedly, using both feet. Helps build strength and technique.
4. Distance Kicking Drill (Football)
Set up a kicking tee and practice hitting long, straight kicks. Gradually increase your distance.
5. Slow-Motion Practice
Perform your kicking motion in slow motion to check for body alignment, posture, and follow-through.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even small errors can cause bad kicks or missed opportunities. Here’s what to avoid:
Leaning too far back: Causes the ball to go too high.
No follow-through: Reduces power and accuracy.
Incorrect plant foot position: Leads to off-target kicks.
Looking up too soon: Makes you miss clean contact.
Loose ankle: Reduces ball control and power.
Fixing these mistakes will instantly improve your form and results.
Strength and Conditioning Tips
Building lower body strength is key to powerful and consistent kicks. Add these exercises to your training routine:
Squats — build leg power.
Lunges — improve balance and coordination.
Calf Raises — strengthen ankles and foot stability.
Core Workouts (planks, sit-ups) — enhance posture and balance during kicks.
Stretching — prevents muscle tightness and injuries.
A strong body supports perfect technique.
Mental Focus and Visualization
Great kickers also train their mindset. Before every kick:
Visualize the ball traveling exactly where you want it.
Take deep breaths to relax your body.
Keep a consistent pre-kick routine.
Confidence and focus can be the difference between a goal and a miss.
Pro Tips from Experts
Learn from professional kickers and players:
Adam Vinatieri (NFL): “Focus on technique over power — accuracy wins games.”
Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer): “Balance and follow-through are everything — let your body flow naturally.”
Justin Tucker (NFL): “Consistency in your setup is key — every kick should feel the same.”
The pros know that great kicks come from muscle memory built through repetition.
Conclusion
Learning how to properly kick a football takes practice, patience, and the right technique. When you focus on proper foot placement, controlled follow-through, and consistent balance, you’ll see huge improvements in both power and accuracy.
To recap:
Set your stance and aim correctly.
Strike with the proper part of your foot.
Maintain balance and follow through.
Practice regularly to build muscle memory.
Whether you’re taking a game-winning field goal or a crucial free kick, mastering these fundamentals will give you the edge to perform under pressure.