How do I curve a soccer ball? Many people have asked the same questions. I will tell you how to curve a soccer ball and give you the history of soccer and where it originated.
My passion for soccer is very strong. Ever since I was little, I have picked up my dad’s passion for soccer. The teams he liked, I liked; the teams he disliked, I disliked. We would go to the park daily, and he would show me all of the necessary skills I would need to know. Now that I have gone to many practices and soccer camps, I can confidently say that I can also mentor other people and show them the basics, just like Dad showed me.
The history of soccer can be traced back to ancient times, with some records dating back over 2,000 years to China, Greece, and Rome. However, the version we currently play originated in Britain in the 19th century. The Cambridge Rules, created at the University of Cambridge in 1848, were incredibly influential in the game’s development. In 1863, the Football Association (FA) was formed to organize the rules of the first trophy competition between regional clubs. Soccer made significant rule changes and developments in the 1900s. Many schools would start to incorporate soccer. Many schools decide to make school soccer teams and leagues. Since then, soccer has gone through many different rule changes and strategies.
Kids watch a soccer game and then see the professionals curving the ball like magic. They want to do the same. They have difficulty figuring out how to recreate what they just saw on TV. They kick the ball, hoping that it will magically curve, just like they saw the professional do it. Instead, I will give you an in-depth explanation of how to curve a soccer ball.
First, when you strike the ball, ensure you hit it with the bone on the side of your big toe. Many people try to curve the ball with the inside of their foot. But that is what you use for passing, which will not generate enough power to curve the ball. Secondly, make sure that your ankle is locked and your toes are pointing upward. You want to kick the ball around the area of the lower half on the side of the ball to give the ball the curling movements. You want to make sure that you have a good amount of momentum when you approach and strike the ball. When you approach the ball, move your entire hip with it and follow through with your kick. The foot you are not kicking with has to be pointed roughly in the direction you are aiming at. This helps you control the direction of where the ball is going to go. Make sure that your entire leg continues the movement and goes across your body. This movement will help you give the ball altitude to shoot it in your desired zone. It might be difficult at first, and you might even want to give up, but remember, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” (Kong Qiu).
Image Credit: Vikram TKV on Unsplash
Arturo Torres – St. Laurence High School – DMSF Class of 2028