How to Bend a Soccer Ball

Many of us can recall the 2002 soccer flick, “Bend it Like Beckham.” Very few of us, however, know how to actually bend a ball like the British soccer star. Bending a soccer ball is one of the trickier things to accomplish in the sport of soccer, but certainly manageable. This skill proves most useful for kicking a soccer ball around an obstacle, such as a defensive wall or group of players. Bending the ball also comes in handy when attempting direct (free) and corner kicks. Whether you’re a novice or an old pro at the game of soccer, use the tips below and start bending that ball better than Beckham!

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soccer ball
• Soccer cleats (or lace-up athletic shoes)

1. Approach the ball at an angle with your body aligned with your target.

2. At a relaxed pace, run toward the ball.

3. In a fluid motion, plant your non-kicking leg about 6 to 10 inches on the outside of the ball. Swing your kicking leg back as you plant your other foot, and with your upper instep, make contact with the ball. Your upper instep is where the toe meets the foot. Lean shoulders back when making contact. (Example: A right-footed kicker would plant her left foot on the left side of the ball while kicking with her right upper instep).

4. Follow through with your kicking leg, swinging your leg towards your target. Imagine you are trying to kick your non-kicking leg’s hip (this will ensure a complete follow-through). This motion will create a spin on the ball, thereby creating the “bend.”

Tips & Warnings

• Don’t become too overzealous. Bending the ball relies on finesse more than force. Instead of drilling a hard, powerful shot, relax the amount of force in your kick to achieve the maximum bend.
• When trying to bend a soccer ball, avoid kicking the ball with the end of your shoe. In other words, don’t kick the ball with your toe. This will not create the bending effect you’re striving for. Kicking the ball with the end of your cleat or shoe does not allow for the maximum amount of ball control, and creates hardly any backspin.

[serf]

on 12/6/2007 Interesting, but I only bend elbows....serf

[petej]

on 12/5/2007 Hey! So it's funny you write a soccer article, since I joined a Colorado Rush soccer team after moving back here. I think I just bought a soccer ball ;).
Love the mocktails. My Jess is !Preggo! so it's a good one for her (like this weekend at the Xmas party).

So when are you going to write an article on how to make a martini using just gin with extra gin?? :D

Love ya,
Pete

ps> Saw your old roomate at copper for Thanksgiving...