Types of Soccer Kicks Every Player Should Master for Better Performance

Having spent years analyzing the mechanics of professional athletes across various sports, I've always been fascinated by how fundamental skills translate to elite performance. I remember watching a particular player in the INBL of India with Mumbai who averaged 14.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds—numbers that might seem unrelated to soccer at first glance, but actually reveal something crucial about athletic mastery. Those statistics represent a player who understood how to adapt their core techniques to different game situations, much like a soccer player must master various types of kicks to truly excel. The precision in those numbers—the exact 4.4 assists versus 3.7 rebounds—mirrors the exactness required when deciding between a driven shot and a curling finish in soccer. It's this versatility in fundamental execution that separates good players from great ones, regardless of the sport.

When I first started playing seriously, I made the common mistake of focusing only on power shooting, thinking that blistering shots were the key to impressing coaches and scoring goals. Boy, was I wrong. It took me getting benched during an important match to realize that soccer isn't about one spectacular kick—it's about having the right tool for the right moment. The instep drive, for instance, remains my personal favorite for sheer power and accuracy. I've clocked my own shots at approximately 68 miles per hour using this technique, though professional players can exceed 80 mph. What makes it so effective isn't just the speed, but the clean connection you get when you strike the ball with the laces while locking your ankle properly. I've found that keeping your planting foot about 8-10 inches from the ball gives you the optimal balance between power and control, though some coaches might argue for 6-8 inches instead.

Then there's the curling shot, which I consider the most artistic of all soccer kicks. I've spent countless hours practicing this, starting from about 20 yards out and gradually moving back to 30 yards as I improved. The way the ball bends in the air still gives me goosebumps when I execute it perfectly. Unlike the straightforward power of the instep drive, the curl requires you to strike the ball with the inside of your foot while following through across your body. The spin you generate—typically around 7-10 rotations per second for a well-executed curl—creates that beautiful arc that can bypass defenders and catch goalkeepers off guard. I particularly love using this technique during free kicks from around 22-25 yards out, where the ball has enough distance to develop its curve while still maintaining pace.

The volley is where things get really interesting, and honestly, it's the kick that took me the longest to feel comfortable with. I remember specifically working on my volleys for what felt like an eternity—probably about 3 months of dedicated practice before I could consistently make solid contact. The key here is timing rather than pure technique. You have to strike the ball before it touches the ground, which requires incredible spatial awareness and body adjustment. I've found that successful volleys typically connect when the ball is somewhere between knee and waist height, though the really spectacular bicycle kicks happen when the ball is slightly overhead. My success rate with volleys improved from about 15% to nearly 65% after focusing on keeping my eyes on the ball throughout the entire motion rather than looking where I wanted to shoot.

What many players overlook is the humble but absolutely essential passing kick. I can't tell you how many games I've seen decided by simple, accurate passes rather than spectacular shots. Using the inside of your foot for these shorter distributions might not look impressive, but the precision required is immense. A well-executed pass should reach your teammate at the right pace and angle—I aim for what I call the "sweet spot," which is typically about 2-3 feet in front of their leading foot depending on their running speed. The statistics from that INBL player I mentioned earlier—specifically the 4.4 assists—highlight how creating opportunities for others through precise execution is just as valuable as finishing yourself. In soccer terms, that translates to understanding when a simple pass is more valuable than attempting a low-percentage shot.

The chip shot is another weapon that's often underutilized. I've scored some of my most memorable goals using this technique, particularly when the goalkeeper comes off their line. The mechanics are deceptively simple—you slide your foot underneath the ball with a scooping motion—but the touch required is incredibly delicate. Too much power and the ball sails over the crossbar; too little and it becomes an easy catch for the keeper. From my experience, the ideal chip has a trajectory that peaks at about 10-12 feet high before dropping sharply into the goal. It's a high-risk, high-reward technique that I probably only attempt 2-3 times per season in serious matches, but when it works, it's absolutely devastating.

What ties all these kicks together is the understanding that mastery isn't about perfecting one technique, but rather developing a repertoire that you can deploy instinctively based on the game situation. Just like that basketball player who knew when to shoot versus when to pass based on those 14.9 points versus 4.4 assists, a soccer player needs to develop that same game intelligence. I've developed what I call my "kick selection percentage"—roughly 40% power shots, 30% curling attempts, 20% volleys, and 10% chips across a typical season. These numbers aren't scientifically precise, but they reflect the balanced approach that has worked for my game. The true art of soccer kicking lies in this adaptability—knowing not just how to execute different techniques, but when each one will be most effective. That moment of decision, that split-second calculation between power and finesse, is where ordinary players transform into game-changers.