Fundamentals of Kicking a Ball—Why It’s Important for Kids

The Fundamentals of Kicking a Ball: Building Essential Skills with TigerKids Singapore

At TigerKids, a division of ArrowSports Singapore, we recognize the significance of Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) in establishing a foundation for enduring athletic achievement. Among these essential skills, kicking is particularly vital as one of the primary abilities that children should cultivate early on. Whether in football or various multi-sport activities, kicking serves not only as an enjoyable way to engage children but also aids in developing balance, coordination, core strength, and self-assurance.

The Importance of Kicking in Children’s Growth

Kicking is a comprehensive skill that necessitates coordination, timing, and accuracy, even at a young age. Children have an innate desire to kick—be it a football, a playground ball, or even an imaginary one! When this natural inclination is properly nurtured, it transforms into a powerful method for enhancing gross motor skills that are essential for sports and daily activities.

At TigerKids, we emphasize age-appropriate football and multi-sport training tailored for children aged 4 to 12 years in Singapore. Exposing children to various kicking techniques not only hones their technical skills but also enhances their overall physical literacy, enabling them to thrive in any sport they pursue in the future.

Instep Kick: Enhancing Power and Precision

The instep kick is the quintessential powerful kick that every young footballer should master. Drawing inspiration from icons like Ronaldo Luís (R9), this technique involves striking the ball with the top of the foot while the non-kicking foot serves as a pivot. A slight forward lean engages the core, allowing children to produce greater power and stability. Achieving proficiency in the instep kick enables young athletes to execute powerful shots and long passes, which are crucial for both football games and developing leg strength.

Key points for the instep kick:

• Contact the ball with the top of the foot (laces area).
  
  

• Place the non-dominant foot beside the ball as a pivot.
  
  

• Follow through straight ahead for power and direction.
  
  

• Engage the core for balance and force.
  
  

Outside-of-the-Foot Kick: Mastering Precision

The outside-of-the-foot kick, commonly known as trivela, is an excellent technique for imparting spin to both passes and shots. Drawing inspiration from players such as Luka Modrić, this method encourages children to enhance their creative ball control. The kick is executed by striking the ball with the outer edge of the foot, and a smooth follow-through guarantees that the ball curves precisely towards the intended target. Instructing children in this technique aids their comprehension of how angles, spin, and body positioning influence ball movement—thereby enhancing their skills and boosting their confidence.

Key points for the trivela kick:

• Contact the ball with the outside of the foot at an angle.
  
  

• Use the non-dominant foot as a pivot for balance.
  
  

• Follow through upwards and slightly forward for lift and spin.
  
  

• Engage the core lightly to add power.
  
  

Volley: Striking with Confidence in the Air

A volley consists of striking the ball while it is airborne, a technique frequently showcased in remarkable goals by athletes such as Cristiano Ronaldo. Although more complex volleys are more appropriate for older children, teaching the fundamentals at an early age aids young players in enhancing their timing, hand-eye coordination, and swift reactions. The essential aspect is to hit the ball with a strong instep kick, ensuring that the follow-through is brief and aimed towards the goal or target.

Key points for the volley:

• Strike the ball at its highest controllable point using the instep.
  
  

• Keep the non-kicking foot close to the ball for balance.
  
  

• Ensure a quick, controlled follow-through to maintain accuracy.
  
  

• Emphasise proper timing to reduce the risk of injury.
  
  

How TigerKids Develops Kicking Skills

At TigerKids Singapore, we do more than just teach children how to kick—we enhance their overall Fundamental Movement Skills through enjoyable, engaging, and organized activities. In our junior football programs, kids discover various kicks such as passing, shooting, and punting through interactive games and age-appropriate drills. We incorporate different ball sizes and fun target challenges to ensure that sessions are exciting, safe, and fulfilling. 

In our multi-sports classes, children get to experience a variety of sports, expanding their skill sets while reinforcing essential abilities like kicking, throwing, and jumping. This comprehensive approach promotes children’s physical development and nurtures a passion for movement.

Why Choose TigerKids at ArrowSports?

At TigerKids, we go beyond just playing games. We help children build the skills, confidence, and love of sports they need to thrive physically, socially, and emotionally. Learning to kick a ball isn’t just about scoring goals—it’s about unlocking your child’s potential for a healthy, active life.

VisitTigerKids.co today to learn more about our junior football training and multi-sports programmes for kids aged 4–12 in Singapore.