Comments on How to Chip a Soccer Ball

Since the goalkeeper is not only the last line of defense, but the first line of offense, they have to be able to get the ball to their players no matter what the situation. Being a goalie myself, I know the importance of this. If the opposing player shoots the ball wide, and you get the ball, and want to use a chip, use as long a stride as possible, or use your judgment depending on where your players are. Strike the ball right underneath the bottom of the ball, and depending on the length of the shot you want, use a short or log follow-through. Works about 8 out of 10 times. I can only make suggestions, I can not force anybody to do this. This is just what has helped me, and if you want to become a better player, you have to do what helps you.

To get more lift, follow through with your leg after you have made contact with the ball.

Since the goalkeeper is not only the last line of defense, but the first line of offense, they have to be able to get the ball to their players no matter what the situation. Being a goalie myself, I know the importance of this. If the opposing player shoots the ball wide, and you get the ball, and want to use a chip, use as long a stride as possible, or use your judgment depending on where your players are. Strike the ball right underneath the bottom of the ball, and depending on the length of the shot you want, use a short or log follow-through. Works about 8 out of 10 times. I can only make suggestions, I can not force anybody to do this. This is just what has helped me, and if you want to become a better player, you have to do what helps you.

It can easily frustrate people when they cant chip the ball first time, but the best method is to simply let the ball roll along the ground, toward you. Then as it comes near you, use the top-instep of your foot (the area between your big toe, going about 5 inches up your foot) so that instead of 'chipping' the ball with toes pointed down, you're slicing the bottom of the ball with your instep. When I do it, I imagine it's like taking a golf swing. This is a really good technique for one-on-ones when you're not in-front of the ball and cant chip it, so you go round the keeper, and swing it in. Remember, you have to be facing the ball on an angle to do this.

It can easily frustrate people when they cant chip the ball first time, but the best method is to simply let the ball roll along the ground, toward you. Then as it comes near you, use the top-instep of your foot (the area between your big toe, going about 5 inches up your foot) so that instead of 'chipping' the ball with toes pointed down, you're slicing the bottom of the ball with your instep. When I do it, I imagine it's like taking a golf swing. This is a really good technique for one-on-ones when you're not in-front of the ball and cant chip it, so you go round the keeper, and swing it in. Remember, you have to be facing the ball on an angle to do this.

You want to hit down hard underneath the ball, so that your foot hits the ground and stays were the ball was. Use your foot like a wedge. A chip is not a swing with the leg, but a small, short, hard hit.

You want to hit down hard underneath the ball, so that your foot hits the ground and stays were the ball was. Use your foot like a wedge. A chip is not a swing with the leg, but a small, short, hard hit.

I find it easier to come from an angle than on usual kicks, but you must be sure to bring your body around the ball. Remember to lean back.

Try wedging your striking foot under the ball and increase your power to get a higher arc.

Chipping a ball is using your foot as a wedge to strike the ball low with the toe of the striking foot contacting the ball low imparting arc and backspin. The knee is locked at impact. Lifting the ball at rest is accomplished by placing the toes of the striking foot as close as possible to the bottom of the ball, sliding the foot under the ball, and lifting the ball up and out with the instep of the foot. As the ball is lifted up he knee straightens to direct or loft the ball in the desired direction. Lofting is fun to use in practice, but is virtually impossible to do with a rolling ball and hardly ever attempted in a game. Many kids become frustrated by trying to chip with the knee bent and exaggerated follow through.

I find it easier to come from an angle than on usual kicks, but you must be sure to bring your body around the ball. Remember to lean back.

Try to slice the ball from underneath the direct center to get extreme back spin with the chip.