How to Kick a Field Goal like a Pro
There are some very vague things people will say about kicking a field goal. For example, "visualize the ball going through the uprights" is a nice thought, but that's not going to help someone lacking the physical power to kick a ball far. It's also hard to say how to kick one like a pro since pro kickers have very different styles. However, one pro, Robbie Gould of the Chicago Bears, shared some of his techniques with "Chicago Magazine" in 2006. Going into the 2011 season, Gould was the fifth-most accurate kicker in league history.
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Things You'll Need
- Soccer cleats
- A Football
- A Ball Holder (a person or device to hold the ball upright)
Instructions
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Practice as often as possible. Gould told the magazine, "It's really just a lot of practice-- kick a lot of kicks." If you're just starting out and don't have a holder, use a kicking tee to steady the ball. Place the tee on a flat area of the field in front of the goal post.
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Set up the kick from a reasonable distance. It doesn't make sense to start off trying to kick 40-yard field goals. Start with the shortest distance likely to be used in a game -- the extra point distance of about 20 yards.
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Set a target or reference point behind the goal posts. According to Gould, this should be in the center of the uprights.
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Stand a few inches behind the ball with both feet together. Take two steps back, then two steps to the left. (If you're left-footed, take two steps to the right). Keep your feet and body relaxed, and lean slightly forward.
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If you're working with a holder, take your first step forward when the holder lifts his fingers off the ground. This should be a small step with the kicking foot. The other foot will follow in full stride, and you should arrive at the ball while your kicking foot in motion to kick. Plant the other foot about 12 inches from the ball and swing the kicking foot forward.
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Hit the ball with the instep of your foot. Aim for the center of the ball, or just below the center.
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As you kick the football, follow through with your leg and weight.
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When you can consistently make the extra-point distance, move back 5 yards, and try the kick from different angles.
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Tips & Warnings
Practice, practice, practice. You'll become more comfortable as you do more and more kicking, and you'll soon understand what things you can tweak to make your ball go even further and higher.
If possible, have more than one football with you while you practice. This will give you more time to actually kick the ball, rather than chasing after them after each kick.
Always visualize the ball going through the uprights before you kick, and most importantly, have confidence that it will happen.
Have fun!
Always be careful when doing athletic and sporting activities. Make sure you get a good stretch before and after your practice, and if you ever feel like you cannot go on, call it a day and get immediate attention if needed.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images
