A header may be used for both offensive and defensive purposes.

In a defensive situation, a powerful header may be used to clear the ball away from the goal area.
In an offensive situation, a powerful and accurate header may be used as a shot on goal.

Basic steps:

1. Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. 2. Position your shoulders parallel to the target. 3. Swing arms to gain height and momentum in your jump. 4. Arch back in mid-air. 5. Keep your arms up to protect yourself from opponents. 6. Whip your back forward, stiffen your neck, and punch the ball with your forehead. 7. Site your landing.

Bicycle Kick

This is one of the most spectacular soccer kicks.

This kick can be used by defenders to clear a ball, or by forwards to score a goal.
Only practice this kick on very soft surfaces or you might injure yourself.

Basic steps:

1. Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. 2. Position yourself with the target at your back. 3. Jump from your kicking foot. 4. Thrust non-kicking leg from hip up to your chest. 5. Arch the top half of your body downwards. 6. Swing your kicking leg up and your non-kicking leg down in a scissors motion. 7. Strike the ball with your instep. 8. Drop your arms behind you to brace for the fall.

Slide Tackle

This is considered to be a "last resort" method of stopping an opponent from scoring. When you slide for
the ball make sure you make contact with it and not your opponent. If contact is made with an opponent you
risk a penalty being called.

Use extreme caution when executing this tackle inside your own 18-yard box. If your timing is
only slightly off, you risk the chance of having a penalty shot called against your team.

Basic Steps:

1. Keep your eyes on the ball at all times. 2. Sprint towards the ball and get ahead of your opponent. 3. Bend your non-kicking leg just before you fall to the ground. 4. Fall to the ground with your kicking leg extended towards the ball. 5. Kick the ball away from your opponent with your kicking leg or stop the ball with your kicking leg. 6. Get up and clear the ball from your zone.

Chipping

This kick is used to move the ball over a wall, a defender, or a keeper.

Basic steps:

1. Line your body up with your target.
2. Lean back.
3. Strike the ball with your instep, snapping your ankle upward as you make contact.
4. Follow through with your kicking leg with limited forward momentum.
5. Concentrate the movement of your leg upward.

Chipping Drill Try chipping a ball into a bucket about five yards away. As you improve, move further back.

High Volley

This kick may be used by an attacker as a shot on goal.
A defender may use it to clear an incoming ball from a cross.

Timing is critical in order for a clean strike to be had. Continual practice is necessary
to master this difficult kick.

Basic steps:

1. Keep your eyes on the ball at all times.
2. As the ball moves towards you, swing your kicking leg back and lean away from the ball.
3. Swing your kicking leg forward and make contact with the ball at the same level as your waist.
4. Follow through with your kicking leg, bringing your thigh up to your chest.