Kicking Drills

This is a great warm-up drill that is perfect for field goal kicking practice and can be done without using a football. Focus on alignment (marking off the proper angle), the approach (steps toward the point of placement), and body position throughout the entire kicking sequence. By practicing without a ball, you can concentrate more on the setup as well as the mechanics of each kick. During these kicking drills for football, you not only want to visualize each kick going precisely toward your target, but you also want to 'see' and 'feel' your body in the exact position it needs to be to perform a successful kick. This drill helps improve technique, develop consistency, and increase confidence in your skills, making it an essential part of your kicking football drills.

The basis for every kick in your field goal kicking practice! Position the football on a line (sideline or yard line) and kick to a spot or partner down the line. When performing these kicking drills for football, you can easily tell if you are positioned properly after every kick by using the line as a guide. Line kicks also provide an excellent reference point for your plant foot. By placing the ball on the line, your plant foot should land alongside the ball, generally in a position parallel to the line. Remember, when focusing your entire kicking motion toward a specific target during your kicking football drills, you ensure accuracy and maximize power.

Natural elevation is essential for kickers during field goal kicking practice. The standard placement point for a point after touchdown and a field goal is 7 yards from the line of scrimmage. When the ball is snapped, the line blockers must minimize any type of penetration. You can expect the defenders to jump as high as they can in an attempt to block a kick. Therefore, a minimum height to practice getting the ball above is 10 feet. A simple kicking drill to practice is to position a football 7 yards from the goal post (you will actually be kicking from inside the end zone) and kick the ball over the crossbar without making any contact. Your goal is to practice this until it becomes second nature. All your kicks, regardless of distance, should be performed with this consistent angle of trajectory. Be careful, especially if you tend to hit the crossbar, as the football can easily ricochet off toward you. These kicking drills for football are crucial for developing accuracy and consistency in your kicks.

Position the football (using a holder) outside the hash marks to enhance your field goal kicking practice and increase the angle of the kick. An ideal starting point would be where the 10-yard line and the sideline intersect. This location provides a close enough kick that still challenges your accuracy, making it ideal for kicking drills for football. As you improve with these kicking drills, you can gradually move closer to the goal line and beyond. Always remember to aim toward a precise target when executing your kicking football drills.

This is essentially an exaggerated height drill, designed to enhance your field goal kicking practice. The purpose is to develop the placement of the plant foot and the impact positioning of the kicking foot, all while 'lifting' the football to an optimum height. You simply position your plant foot in the exact preferred area of placement and place your kicking foot in the 'sweet spot' area to achieve maximum impact. With your kicking foot already in contact with the ball, 'lift' the ball up and over the crossbar. You should start this drill at 5 yards from the goal post and gradually work your way in as close as possible.

NOTE: This drill is particularly suited for soccer-style kickers because there is a much wider area of the foot that contacts the ball, enabling better stability during the kicking drills. As you 'lift' your leg with the ball, simultaneously bring your arm (on the plant leg side) from outside your body and across your chest in a parallel to upward direction (relative to the ground). This entire movement should be executed in a natural, smooth motion while maximizing follow-through with the kicking leg. This approach will help you maintain proper balance while controlling the torque of your body as you generate power toward your target, making it an effective kicking drill for football.

This drill is exactly that, 'no step.' It is an excellent way to develop leg speed and is particularly useful during field goal kicking practice. Incorporating this into your kicking drills can enhance your performance in kicking drills for football and improve your overall kicking football drills.

1. Simply position the ball using a holder and place your plant foot exactly in the location it needs to be for you to make proper contact during your field goal kicking practice.

2. Now draw your kicking leg back, striving to position the foot directly behind you (as high as you can) and, at the same time, extend the arm opposite the kicking leg out and away from your body. At this point, you are preset to perform the kicking drills.

3. 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 during your kicking football drills.

4. As this transfer of energy takes place, the body compensates this movement by allowing the plant foot to lift very slightly off the ground and "skip" forward. Due to the torque of the body, soccer-style kickers generally skip to an area ahead and away (outside) from where the plant was made (with the toes pointed slightly in the same direction). Straight-on kickers will simply just "skip" straight ahead toward the target.

5. Make sure you keep proper body lean (chest over knees) throughout the entire kick. The head remains down with eyes focused on the ball as you kick through it. There should be no "jerking" downward with the head as you kick the ball. Your head should remain on a smooth, steady plane as you approach the ball and should maintain this same attitude throughout the entire kick.

The higher you can draw the leg back, the more you enhance the "whipping effect" (leg speed) of the kick. It's not how strong your leg is that determines power; it's how fast it is when making contact with the ball.

Make sure you work with your snapper and holder during every field goal kicking practice opportunity. To develop an ideal rhythm in your kicking motion, you must consistently practice with your entire kicking unit through various kicking drills. Proper timing is essential in these kicking drills for football!

Upright kicks during field goal kicking practice position the football (using a holder) where the end line (back of the end zone) and sideline intersect. Aim to hit the upright or kick directly over it. As you improve the height of your kicks, you may find it necessary to move closer to the upright. By using these kicking drills for football that target this very narrow and vertical goal, you enhance your follow-through and challenge your accuracy as the ball rises in flight. NOTE: This drill is most effective when kicking from the end line of the end zone, which is where the uprights are located on the playing field. Practicing this drill on a regular playing field might encourage improper technique. While you can perform these kicking football drills alone, it's even better with a partner, allowing you both to kick back and forth, adding a fun competitive element!

This is a great drill for field goal kicking practice, emphasizing proper positioning of the plant foot while developing leg speed. You basically align your body in the exact position it would be in just prior to the last step (the plant step) you would take before kicking the football. To do this, place the kicking foot forward with the toes pointed in the general area of the football and the spot where the plant foot will be placed (toes pointed directly at the football for straight-on kickers). By doing this, you are simulating the first step or 'drive' step you normally use as you approach the ball to kick. With your body leaned forward (chest over knees), you are now in a preset position. While focusing on the point of placement, take a deliberate step to place your plant foot in the exact alignment needed for optimum body position when making contact with the football. At this point of the drill, just duplicate the exact techniques described to perform the kicking drills for football, similar to the 'No Step Drill.'

To enhance your field goal kicking practice, simply scatter footballs across the field from hash mark to hash mark to simulate the kicks needed during a game. This method serves as an effective way to work on various angles and distances while executing kicking drills for football. Be sure to include this routine in your kicking football drills every time you go out to practice.

Always be prepared for the unexpected. Incorporate kicking drills for football, including on-side kicks, into your regular field goal kicking practice schedule. When on-side kicks are needed, the game is usually close to being decided. Who knows, a successful on-side kick may just put your team in position for a winning field goal, making those kicking football drills all the more essential!

This is a more methodical way to work on various angles and distances while kicking, making it an effective part of your field goal kicking practice. It closely resembles the evaluation process for kickers at the professional level. Start this kicking drill by positioning the ball (using a holder) on the left hash at the 10 yard line. After completing three (3) kicks, retreat 5 yards and switch to the opposite hash. Now, perform three (3) more kicks. Repeat this sequence, moving back 5 yards each time, and continue as far as you can go. Focus on short to intermediate range kicks during these kicking drills for football, as long-range kicks are not attempted as frequently.

This is another type of kick that is crucial when you least expect it. Ideally, you should incorporate these field goal kicking practice sessions with the entire field goal team. Try running in from the sideline to get aligned, setting, and then making a field goal in 25 seconds or less. 

Incorporating a few kicking drills for football each week can significantly enhance your total preparation. Just knowing you have engaged in last-second kicks through consistent kicking drills will give you the confidence you need to succeed for your team.

Make sure you engage in field goal kicking practice by kicking in all directions and positions on the field. The more proficient you become through various kicking drills for football, especially in dealing with adverse weather conditions like wind, the more confident you'll be when inclement weather strikes. Be the kicker who rises to the occasion, coming through in the clutch when the odds seem stacked against you, thanks to your rigorous kicking drills and consistent practice.