Winning a football game is usually decided by which team makes the most field goals.The kicker of a football team has a very specialized role to perform which relies almost entirely on technique.You can learn the basics of field goal kicking by following the steps below.If you practice kicking a field goal, you'll be able to send footballs through the goal posts in no time.
Step 1: There are basic rules of a field goal kick.
The defensive team takes possession of the ball when a field goal is missed in the National Football League.The defensive team has possession of the ball on the 20-yard line if a field goal attempt is unsuccessful or misses.In order for a field goal to count, the football must pass between the goal posts.The football can hit the side of the goal posts if it goes through.A field goal is worth three points and is usually run on a fourth down when the team is close to the end zone.
Step 2: The football needs to be set up.
The football should be placed on the holder.The football should be upright with a slight slant.They need to line up the laces to face the field goal.The laces are not allowed to interfere with the direction of the ball.This allows you to kick the ball on the back seams, which creates maximum compression when kicked.The football will travel higher if there is maximum compression.
Step 3: The number of paces is appropriate for you.
For most kickers, there is about three large paces back and two small ones to the left of the ball.Take three paces back and two to the right of the ball for left-footed kickers.Try different distances to see what works for you.How far you step back depends on the length of your legs.When you run to kick the ball, your stride will be longer because your legs are longer.Consistency is the important thing to remember when stepping back.You can find a distance that works for you.
Step 4: You should be in an athletic stance.
An athletic stance means that your knees are slightly bent, you are resting on the balls of your feet, and your body weight is centered over your hips.In front of your kicking foot, place the foot that you will not use to kick the ball.Your plant foot is called it because you will plant it next to the ball while kicking.Place your plant foot behind your kicking foot.The toes of both feet should be pointing in the same direction.
Step 5: You should take your approach steps.
One of the hardest parts of kicking a field goal is figuring out the correct number of approach steps.Kickers usually take two to three approach steps.The first step is an optional one and is called a jab step.There is a short step in the direction of the ball with your plant foot.It is supposed to shift your weight in the direction of the ball.The drive step is when you take a long stride in the direction of the ball with your kicking foot.The plant foot goes to the side of the football.The most important step is where your plant foot will anchor you to the field while you kick the ball.You will be approaching the ball in a diagonal line because you are lined up behind and to the side of the football.
Step 6: To point towards the football, position your plant foot.
The area of the field goal you want the football to go through is your target.Your plant foot should be at least five to seven inches behind your target.The height of the ball will affect the depth of your plant foot.The plant foot is four inches deeper than the football if you are kicking on the ground.If you are using a one-inch tee, your plant foot will be about two inches deeper than the football, and if your tee is about 2 inches high, it's about the same.
Step 7: Take care of your shoulders and hips.
You should have your torso square when you approach the football.You will be able to achieve a steady balance while kicking.
Step 8: Make contact with the ball.
The "sweet spot" is above the football's bottom tip.The distance and height that the football will travel depends on where you make contact with the ball.
Step 9: The top of your foot is where you want to kick the ball.
The maximum transfer of energy to the ball can be achieved by using the bone on the top of your foot.Straight and soccer-style kicking are the two types of kicking.The soccer-style kick is used by most professional football players.A straight kick means that after you make contact with the ball, your leg follows through in a straight line.Straight-on kickers lock their ankles while kicking, which allows them to efficiently transfer energy forward.A soccer kick occurs when you swing your leg through to the opposite side of the ball that you kicked.Soccer-style kickers angle their foot at an angle, which causes some energy to be absorbed by the ankle joint.Modern convention says the soccer kick is the better of the two styles.
Step 10: You should follow the kick through the target.
Don't stop the forward motion of your foot when you make contact with the football.Try to keep kicking until the ball has left your foot.
Step 11: All the way through, keep the kick consistent with its speed and strength.
Even if you are kicking a long field goal, you don't need to change the power you put into your kick.The kick's power comes from your kicking leg and your plant leg.
Step 12: Hop your plant foot forward when you follow through.
Your body's effort to keep you on balance will cause this to happen naturally.