How to Punt a Soccer Ball
Distribution can be the difference between a good goalkeeper and a great goalkeeper. Being able to punt the ball effectively will help you control the pace of the game and give your offense a chance to create opportunities.
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Instructions
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Start the process by taking four steps in the direction you want to punt. If you punt with your right foot, take your first step with the left and vice-versa. Make each step a little longer and the fourth should be a relatively long stride, but not a full-out hop. When your foot hits the turf on your fourth step, bring your opposite foot up -ready to hit the ball.Hold the ball out in front of you at about waist level as you take your steps.
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2
Perfect the drop. Some keepers hold the ball with two hands, and some hold it with one. Try both and find whichever works for you. You want to drop the ball with as little spin as possible, and two-hands can often be more affective for that purpose. One common mistake many young or beginning keepers make is they throw the ball up in the air. That makes it harder to time, and decreases your chance of accuracy.
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Strengthen your kick. You'll want to kick the ball with the instep of your foot, right on the laces. The other thing to remember is that you'll want to hit the ball lower to the ground. You want a high arching punt, so you want to make sure that you strike the ball just below knee level. Make sure your foot is going forward, not sideways. Another common misconception is that a goalies leg is moving across his body when he punts, because a good follow through makes it look as such.
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Follow through. Make sure you bring your leg all the way up and across your body (hence the image of a goalie moving his foot sideways). Also be sure to explode off of your opposite foot. As you make contact with the ball, you should take a small hop, straight in the air, not forward. That hop will give you a little more power on the ball.
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Tips & Warnings
The steps themselves are very easy. To actually put it together takes months, sometimes years of practice. The more you practice your punting, the better you'll be. This is something you can practice on your own, as well.
Make sure you stretch properly before punting excessively.
