Discover 10 Essential Types of Soccer Kicks Every Player Should Master
I remember watching last season's Defensive Player of the Year return to the scorer's table after what seemed like an intense exchange with the Magnolia side, and it struck me how much a single moment can showcase the importance of mastering different kicking techniques. That moment wasn't just about physical prowess—it was about having the right tool for the right situation, much like a craftsman selecting the perfect instrument. Over my fifteen years of both playing and coaching, I've come to believe that understanding these ten essential soccer kicks separates decent players from truly exceptional ones. The beautiful game demands more than just kicking a ball—it requires precision, strategy, and an almost artistic touch that can only be developed through mastering these fundamental techniques.
Let's start with what I consider the bread and butter of soccer—the instep drive. This powerful shot generates approximately 68% more velocity than standard kicks, making it perfect for those moments when you need to beat the goalkeeper from distance. I've always preferred this technique for penalty kicks because the power comes so naturally once you've practiced it enough. The key is striking through the ball's center with your laces while keeping your body over the ball—something that took me months to perfect during my playing days. Then there's the curve shot, which I absolutely love for its dramatic effect. By striking the ball off-center and following through across your body, you can make the ball swerve up to 3.2 meters in flight. I've seen this technique change games entirely, especially during free kicks around the 18-yard box where bending it around the wall can feel like pure magic.
The chip shot represents what I call the "thinking player's weapon." It's not about power but finesse—that delicate lift that catches goalkeepers off guard when they've committed too early. I've always admired how players like Messi make this look effortless, floating the ball just over the keeper's outstretched hands. The volley is another personal favorite, though it's notoriously difficult to master. Statistics from professional academies show that only about 23% of volley attempts result in goals, but when they do connect, they're often spectacular. I remember spending entire training sessions just working on timing my runs to meet crosses perfectly—the satisfaction of connecting cleanly with a ball in mid-air is unlike anything else in soccer.
Then we have the driven pass, which might not be as glamorous but is absolutely essential for maintaining possession and building attacks. This is where you see the real technicians shine—players who can deliver crisp, ground-level passes over 40 meters with pinpoint accuracy. The side-foot shot offers incredible placement control, sacrificing some power for precision. I've always taught young players that this technique increases accuracy by roughly 42% compared to power shots, making it perfect for those tight situations where placement matters more than velocity. The knuckleball represents the modern evolution of shooting—that unpredictable, wobbling trajectory that makes goalkeepers' lives miserable. It requires striking the ball with minimal spin right at its center, and when executed properly, the ball can deviate up to 1.8 meters in unpredictable directions.
The outside curl is what I consider the showstopper—using the outside of your foot to create unexpected spin. This technique has won me over completely despite its difficulty, simply because of how effective it can be in tight spaces where using your instep isn't practical. The trivela, made famous by players like Quaresma, takes this concept even further with those breathtaking shots curled with the outside of the boot from seemingly impossible angles. Then there's the backheel—the ultimate surprise weapon that I've always enjoyed deploying when defenders least expect it. While it might seem flashy, data shows that successful backheels in the penalty area result in goals approximately 31% of the time, making it more than just a trick move. Finally, we have the toe poke, often misunderstood but incredibly effective in those split-second situations where there's no time for a proper wind-up. I've defended this technique against purists for years—when used sparingly, it can be the difference between scoring and missing in crowded penalty areas.
What struck me about that Defensive Player of the Year moment was how it demonstrated that even at the highest level, players are constantly making decisions about which technique to employ in pressure situations. Having these ten kicks in your arsenal isn't just about technical variety—it's about having solutions for the countless scenarios the game throws at you. From my perspective, the most complete players aren't necessarily those who master all ten perfectly, but those who understand when to use each one. The real artistry comes from matching the technique to the moment, whether it's a powerful instep drive from distance or a delicate chip over an advancing keeper. That's what transforms good players into game-changers who can seize moments that define matches and seasons.