Skills & drills for women’s football

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What it looks like

Shooting » Overhead kick

How?

To execute an Overhead (or Scissor) kick, the player launches herself into the air, scissoring her legs as her body reaches a horizontal position, so that one leg reaches high into the air to make contact with the ball at head height. The ball therefore travels in the opposite direction to the way the player is facing. Both feet must be airborne for this kicking technique. The footballer, meanwhile, generally lands on her back or arse!

Why?

“Overhead kicks are generally only used to score goals or by defenders needing to clear the ball quickly from the opposition’s goal mouth. Most often they are used by attacking players who have little room for manoeuvre near the goal. A forward in a good scoring position but with her back to the goal might opt for an overhead kick if the ball is bouncing at head height.”

Tips & drills

Beware: A bad landing, especially a knock to the head, spine or elbows, could have serious consequences.