how to punt a soccer ball

How to Punt a Soccer Ball: Step By Step Guide

You might think it is challenging to punt a ball in soccer, but it can be much easier if you learn the proper punting technique.

Using the proper punting technique will enable you to make your soccer punts go high and far, a skill that is sometimes taken for granted. 

Goalkeepers with long and accurate punts can change the course of a soccer game with just one kick. To learn how to punt a ball and practice footwork drills, follow these soccer tips for youth soccer players.

What is a Punt in Soccer? 

A punt in soccer is a type of kick that is used to move the ball a long distance down the soccer field. The punt is typically used by a team's goalie or a player on the field who is responsible for kicking the ball to the other team. Part of typical goalkeeper training is to learn how to punt a ball, which they learn in the fundamentals of soccer.

To execute a punt, the player straight up drops the ball and kicks it with the inside of their foot, using a motion similar to a drop kick in American football. Goal kicks are a way of putting the ball back into play.

The goal of a punt is to kick the ball as far as possible down the field, usually to a teammate who is in a better position to advance the ball. Punts are often used to clear the ball out of danger when a team is under pressure from the opposing team, or to move the ball into a more advantageous position on the soccer field.

soccer goalie

Who Can Punt The Soccer Ball? 

In soccer, any player on the field is allowed to punt the ball. However, punts are most commonly executed by the team's soccer goalkeeper or by a player on the field who is responsible for kicking the ball to the other team. Before punting a ball in a game, players should practice warm up drills to prepare for a powerful punt.

As a part of usual goalkeeper training, the soccer goalie is usually the player who punts the ball when the team is under pressure from the opposing team and needs to clear the ball out of danger.

Field soccer players may also punt the ball if they are in a good position to do so and want a long distance punting the soccer ball downfield.

Punts are often used to move the ball out of danger or to advance it into a more advantageous position on the midfield. They can also be used to surprise the opposing team and catch them off guard.

How to Punt a Soccer Ball Long and Far? 

To punt a soccer ball, you'll need to follow this tutorial:

  1. Position yourself facing the ball, with your non-kicking foot slightly in front of the ball and your kicking foot about a foot behind it.
  2. Bend your knees slightly and lift your kicking foot up, holding it about waist level.
  3. Swing your kicking leg back and then forward, making contact with the ball just below its center.
  4. Strike the ball with the laces of your foot, and aim to hit it with the underside of your foot to generate more power.
  5. Follow through with your kick, making sure to keep your eye on the ball as it travels.

It's important to practice your punting technique in order to develop control and accuracy. You may also want to try punting the ball with different parts of your foot to see which works best for you.

What Are The Key Rules of a Soccer Punt? 

There are a few key rules to keep in mind when executing a punt in soccer to avoid getting a red card:

  1. The ball must be dropped and kicked with the inside of the foot. Soccer players are not allowed to use any other part of their body to kick the ball.
  2. Players must wait for the ball to hit the ground before kicking it. This is known as the "drop kick" rule.
  3. Players are not allowed to touch the ball again until it has been touched by another player. This means that a player who executes a punt cannot follow the ball and try to gain an advantage.
  4. The ball cannot be kicked out of bounds on a punt. If the ball goes out of bounds without being touched by another player, the opposing team is awarded a throw-in.
  5. Players are not allowed to touch the ball with their hands on a punt. If a player touches the ball with their hands, it is foul, and the opposing team is awarded a free kick.

Overall, the main goal of a punt is to move the ball a long distance down the field, usually to a teammate in a better position to advance the ball. 

Punts are often used to clear the ball out of danger when a team is under pressure from the opposing team or to move the ball into a more advantageous position on the field.

Conclusion

Once you understand how to punt a soccer ball, you will be able to make your soccer punt perfect. Whether you have been a goalkeeper for a month or the last few years, there is always room to improve your soccer punts and follow these goalkeeper tips.

To improve your soccer skills, check out our 3-in-1 trainer today! This goal/rebounder keeps the ball in play and rebounds it back to you after each shot! 

Pass it on

Pass it on