How to Kick a Field Goal like a Pro
- 1). Practice as often as possible. Gould told the magazine, "It's really just a lot of practice-- kick a lot of kicks." If you're just starting out and don't have a holder, use a kicking tee to steady the ball. Place the tee on a flat area of the field in front of the goal post.
- 2). Set up the kick from a reasonable distance. It doesn't make sense to start off trying to kick 40-yard field goals. Start with the shortest distance likely to be used in a game -- the extra point distance of about 20 yards.
- 3). Set a target or reference point behind the goal posts. According to Gould, this should be in the center of the uprights.
- 4). Stand a few inches behind the ball with both feet together. Take two steps back, then two steps to the left. (If you're left-footed, take two steps to the right). Keep your feet and body relaxed, and lean slightly forward.
- 5). If you're working with a holder, take your first step forward when the holder lifts his fingers off the ground. This should be a small step with the kicking foot. The other foot will follow in full stride, and you should arrive at the ball while your kicking foot in motion to kick. Plant the other foot about 12 inches from the ball and swing the kicking foot forward.
- 6). Hit the ball with the instep of your foot. Aim for the center of the ball, or just below the center.
- 7). As you kick the football, follow through with your leg and weight.
- 8). When you can consistently make the extra-point distance, move back 5 yards, and try the kick from different angles.
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