HOW TO KICK A FOOTBALL WITH TRAVIS DORSCH

How to Kick a Football with Travis Dorsch - "Sweet Spot"- Kicking Lesson 2

The sweet spot of the ball for soccer style kickers is located approximately 1 1/2 inches to 2 1/2 inches down from the ball's widest segment.  Kicking this area of the football is most effective for achieving the greatest height and distance.

How to Kick a Football with Travis Dorsch - "Stance"- Kicking Lesson 4

The stance should be comfortable and determined by the individual.  The stance should allow the kicker to get the ball off (kicked) quickly and accurately.

How to Kick a Football with Travis Dorsch - "Ball Position" Kicking Lesson 6

The hold should be straight up and down with the laces ideally facing the target.  The laces should not face the kicker.

note:

Soccer style kickers may want to tilt the top end of the football (slightly) away from the plant foot in order to obtain better contact with the "sweet spot." Since the kicking foot is angled slightly downward (heel-to-toe) at impact, the slight tilt of the ball creates an ideal "spot" for ball compressions and control.  This simple adjustment allows for a more powerful vertical rotation of the ball.  The vertical rotation enables a "truer" flight path, thus, a more accurate kick.

  COACHING POINT:

When tilting the football backward, the holder decreases the exposed portion of the "sweet spot."  An erect placement will allow the kicker to see the entire football, thus enabling him to hit just under the ball's middle to get maximum height and distance.

How to Kick a Football with Travis Dorsch - "Plant Foot" 

Kicking Lesson 8

This step is very important because it not only provides support, but also gives direction to the kick.  As the planting step is taken, it should pivot and be placed in the general direction of the target.  The exact distance the foot plant should be from the ball varies with the individual.

When using a tee, the middle of the foot is typically aligned with the ball and positioned 6 to 10 inches to the side of the ball.  The distance of the plant from the ball is based on personal preference and can be determined by the use of a shorter tee or by spotting the ball on the ground.

COACHING POINTS:

• If the ball is spotted on the ground the plant foot should be placed slightly forward to compensate for the lowering of the ball.
• The plant foot becomes a natural guide, supporting the entire body as it "torques" toward the target generating increased leg speed.
• The kicker should land on his heel initially when making his plant.  The will aid balance and help in the correct distribution of body weight.

How to Kick a Football with Travis Dorsch - "Follow Through" Kicking Lesson 10

As the kicking foot starts in the downward arc towards the ball, the upper body will pivot (torque) in the direction of the plant foot.  When foot/ball contact is made, the impetus of the body (including the plant foot, hips and leg swing -- ALL) should be focused directly toward the target.

foot POSITION

As contact is made with the kicking foot, the ankle should remain locked in place with the toes depressed and in a pointed position.  (The exact foot position should be determined by the individual as there are various ways to kick the ball successfully).

COACHING POINT:

The kicker's leg should swing in a sweeping type motion from the hip.  Do not lean back or forward during the kick.

Kick through the football and simultaneously bring your arm (opposite the kicking leg) across your chest in a parallel and upward "sweeping" motion.  At impact, your hips should square up in the general direction of the target.  As your foot goes through the ball and your kicking leg reaches maximum follow-through your hips should continue forward in a "thrusting" motion enabling optimum power through the ball.

follow THROUGH

The kicker should always kick through the football.  The key to the follow through is to finish with the kicking and planting foot aiming in the general direction of the target.  By concentrating on the proper body position after the kick, the kicker will promote the correct plant, body position and leg swing prior to and during the kick.  As he kicks through the ball, the kicker's movement should carry him upward, onto the toes of the non-kicking foot and forward beyond the placement (tee).

note:  Due to the "torque effect" of the body that is created by the angle of approach, plant and leg swing,, the "skip" step of the plant foot will not only go forward, it will drift slightly away from the target line (opposite the kicking leg) and land with the toes pointed of the direction of the skip.  The "skip" step is crucial in allowing proper transfer of energy and therefore maximizing power!