For the longest time, I wondered why footballers were able to kick the ball so far.
I would be sat at home watching some game on TV.
When I would see players consistently kicking the ball from one end to another.
In particular, I would notice how a goalkeeper would easily reach the semi-circle.
The reason why I was interested and could be the same for you.
Was that at that time, I wasn’t able to kick the ball far.
I had the speed and the control nailed down, but even getting the ball in the air was a struggle.
In this post, I will share with you having learned how to do so over the years.
How not only footballers kick the ball so far, but also how you can do so too.
Table of Contents
How Do Footballers Kick The Ball So Far?
A footballer can kick the ball far because of the technique.
As long as they are striking the ball properly, they can put many yards on that kick.
So you could have the worlds strongest person but despite their insane strength.
They wouldn’t be able to kick as far as a professional footballer, with using the incorrect technique.
Now of course someone with great power will be kicking the ball some distance at least.
But what I am getting at is, by using the right technique is how to go about hitting the ball consistently far each time.
What Technique Do Professional Footballers Use?
Now, what exactly is the right technique, that is going to see you a kick a ball for miles.
Well, its definitely not just closing your eyes, and hitting with hope.
Instead, you want to be focusing on two things:
- Aiming for the right section
- Having the correct approach
Aiming For The Right Section
As with any sport involving a ball, the slightest changes can influence the trajectory of the ball.
When it comes to throwing for e.g overarm and you do it behind you then the ball will just go up.
If you overarm throw with your arm in front of your body it will go down instead.
The same basically applies to football, where the area you strike through the ball dictates, how high and how low the ball goes.
So when it comes to kicking a ball high for footballers, they will aim for the lowest part of the ball.
This is because doing this will lift the ball of the ground giving it loft.
Combine that with a bit of power and the correct stance as I will talk about in a second.
And you have a strike that in most cases will hit 50+ yards.
Different Effects On The Ball
This is the best area to hit for this action as opposed to hitting the centre and top of the ball.
Hitting the centre will enable you to strike the ball cleanly however will be more like a shot on goal.
As opposed to a lobbed pass to a teammate
Hitting the top of the ball, will as you expect keep the ball on the ground.
This is recommended when you are through on goal and the aim for you is to beat the keeper by putting it along the ground.
But if you are looking to switch the play for instance, then striking the ball at the bottom is the way to go about it.
Having The Correct Approach
The other important aspect that enables a footballer to kick a ball far is by having the right approach and stance.
Its okay them kicking a ball in the bottom part, but if their lead up isn’t great, then the ball won’t get to the desired outcome.
So when approaching a ball, a player will lean back to almost dictate what they want to do with the ball.
They will have their hand out to the side and the foot next planted just to the side.
Like in the image below:
This part is important in controlling were a footballer wants to put the ball.
As just approaching a ball and kicking at the bottom will clear it.
A player in a game is always going to want to put in a certain place, therefore meaning they need to be accurate with the hit.
Equipment Is Key In Kicking A Ball Far
Now interestingly there are other aspects to kicking a ball that play into it.
This includes the equipment you have, with the main two being your boots and the football.
To touch upon the boots first, what football boots you have on won’t matter as long as they fit your size.
But if they are loose, a footballer ain’t going to get that connection they want with the ball.
All because the boot isn’t wrapped around their feet tightly.
The football can also have a big impact on how far any footballer kicks it.
As even with the right power and technique there are occasions where getting the ball of the ground is hard.
This applies when the ball has too much air pumped into it.
When this happens the ball is therefore heavy, and not only will it not float as well.
But trying to kick it far while it is filled to the brim with air, can be quite painful.
Professional footballers never have this problem, as the match balls supplied are perfectly pumped up.
However if you have playing with a football, that is too pumped up.
Then deflating the ball, but not too much, will give it flight and make it easier for you to kick far.
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