What To Know
- Learning how to kick an American football is a great way to improve your game, whether you’re playing for fun or aiming for the big leagues.
- While you can certainly practice with a regular football, using a kicking tee and a specially designed kicking football can make a huge difference.
- A kicking tee elevates the football to the optimal height for a clean kick.
Learning how to kick an American football is a great way to improve your game, whether you’re playing for fun or aiming for the big leagues. It’s a skill that can be mastered with practice and the right techniques. This guide will walk you through the essential steps, breaking down the process into manageable chunks, so you can confidently take on the role of kicker.
Choosing the Right Football
The first step to kicking an American football like a pro is choosing the right equipment. While you can certainly practice with a regular football, using a kicking tee and a specially designed kicking football can make a huge difference.
Kicking tee: A kicking tee elevates the football to the optimal height for a clean kick. This allows you to focus on your technique without worrying about the ball rolling away.
Kicking football: Kicking footballs are designed to be kicked, with a slightly different shape and construction than a regular football. They are typically made with a thinner, more durable leather and have a tighter lacing pattern to withstand the impact of repeated kicks.
Finding Your Stance
The right stance is crucial for generating power and accuracy. Here’s how to set up:
1. Position the tee: Place the kicking tee about 3-4 feet in front of you. The tee should be positioned directly in front of your dominant foot, slightly off-center towards the side of your kicking leg.
2. Foot placement: Stand with your dominant foot facing forward, about shoulder-width apart. Your non-dominant foot should be placed behind the ball, with your toes pointing towards the tee.
3. Body alignment: Keep your body aligned with the tee, with your shoulders squared and your hips facing the target.
4. Bend your knees: Slightly bend your knees to lower your center of gravity and provide a stable base.
Mastering the Approach
The approach is the motion you take before making contact with the ball. It generates momentum and helps you transfer your weight into the kick.
1. Start with a short step: Take a short step forward with your non-dominant foot, keeping your body balanced.
2. Swing your kicking leg: As you take the short step, swing your kicking leg back, keeping your knee bent.
3. Keep your core engaged: Your core muscles should be engaged throughout the approach to maintain balance and power.
Making Contact
The moment of truth! Here’s how to strike the ball for maximum power and accuracy:
1. Extend your leg: As you reach the ball, extend your kicking leg forward, keeping your knee straight.
2. Point your toes: Your toes should be pointed towards the target, and your kicking leg should be fully extended at the moment of contact.
3. Follow through: After contact, continue your swing, bringing your kicking leg through the ball and finishing with your toes pointing towards the sky.
Fine-Tuning for Accuracy
Kicking an American football is not just about power; it’s about getting the ball where you want it to go. Here are some tips to improve your accuracy:
1. Focus on the laces: Aim your kick at the laces of the football. This will help you generate a more accurate trajectory.
2. Practice your aim: Spend time practicing your aim, focusing on hitting specific targets.
3. Visualize the path: Before you kick, visualize the path you want the ball to take.
Building Strength and Endurance
Kicking an American football requires strength and endurance. Here are some exercises to help you build these qualities:
1. Squats: Squats work your legs and core, building power and stability.
2. Lunges: Lunges target your quads, hamstrings, and glutes, improving lower body strength and balance.
3. Core exercises: Planks, crunches, and leg raises strengthen your core muscles, which are essential for a powerful kick.
Taking it to the Field
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to take your kicking skills to the field. Here are some tips for success:
1. Practice under pressure: Practice kicking in game-like situations to build your confidence and prepare for the pressure of a real game.
2. Stay focused: When you’re kicking, focus on your technique and your target. Avoid distractions.
3. Learn from your mistakes: Every kick is a learning opportunity. Analyze your mistakes and work on correcting them.
The Journey of a Champion Kicker: Embracing the Process
Becoming a skilled kicker takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Keep practicing, stay focused on your technique, and enjoy the journey of mastering this valuable skill.
Information You Need to Know
Q: What is the best way to practice kicking at home?
A: You can use a kicking tee and a kicking football to practice at home. Find a safe, open space like a park or your backyard. Focus on your technique and aim for a specific target, like a trash can or a cone.
Q: Is it important to have good balance when kicking?
A: Absolutely! Good balance is essential for a powerful and accurate kick. It helps you generate momentum and maintain stability throughout the kicking motion.
Q: How can I improve my kicking power?
A: Strength training exercises like squats and lunges can help you build the leg muscles needed for a powerful kick. Make sure you’re using proper technique and engaging your core muscles.
Q: What are some common mistakes beginners make when kicking?
A: Common mistakes include not keeping your body aligned, not extending your kicking leg fully, and not following through after contact.
Q: What is the best way to get feedback on my kicking technique?
A: Ask a coach or experienced kicker to observe your technique and provide feedback. You can also record yourself kicking and analyze your form.
