Common Mistakes Every Kicker Should Avoid

As a football kicker, your role often determines the outcome of a game. While skill, preparation, and practice are essential for success, avoiding common mistakes is equally critical. From technical errors to mental lapses, small missteps can make a big difference in your performance. Here’s a guide to the most common mistakes kickers make and actionable tips to help you avoid them.

1. Neglecting the Fundamentals

Kickers sometimes focus too much on power or range and lose sight of the basics that ensure consistency and accuracy.

What to Avoid:

• Rushing through your approach and kick.

• Ignoring proper plant foot placement.

• Overlooking follow-through mechanics.

How to Fix It:

• Drill the Basics: Spend time practicing your approach, plant foot alignment, and follow-through during every session.

• Film Yourself: Use video to analyze your technique and identify areas for improvement.

• Seek Feedback: Work with a coach who can help refine your fundamentals.

  
  

2. Overkicking in Practice

It’s tempting to kick as many balls as possible during practice to improve, but overkicking can lead to fatigue and poor form.

What to Avoid:

• Kicking until exhaustion, which increases the risk of injury.

• Sacrificing quality for quantity.

How to Fix It:

• Set a Limit: Plan your practice sessions with a specific number of kicks, focusing on quality over quantity.

• Mix It Up: Incorporate strength training, flexibility exercises, and mental drills to balance your workload.

• Listen to Your Body: Take rest days and prioritize recovery to avoid burnout.

  
  

3. Ignoring Mental Preparation

A strong leg won’t matter if you lack the mental toughness to perform under pressure. Many kickers underestimate the importance of mental preparation.

What to Avoid:

• Focusing too much on the outcome instead of the process.

• Letting past misses affect your confidence.

• Failing to visualize success.

How to Fix It:

• Practice Visualization: Spend time imagining yourself making perfect kicks in different scenarios.

• Develop a Routine: Stick to a consistent pre-kick ritual to calm your nerves and focus your mind.

• Learn to Reset: After a miss, take a deep breath, analyze what went wrong, and move on.

  
  

4. Poor Ball Contact

Improper ball contact is one of the most common technical mistakes kickers make. Hitting the ball at the wrong angle or with the wrong part of the foot can drastically affect accuracy and distance.

What to Avoid:

• Striking the ball too low or too high.

• Using the toe instead of the instep.

How to Fix It:

• Focus on the Sweet Spot: Aim to strike the ball just below its center with the top of your foot (instep).

• Practice with Targets: Use visual markers on the ball to help train consistent contact.

• Slow It Down: Perform slow-motion kicks to develop muscle memory and precision.

  
  

5. Inconsistent Plant Foot Placement

The position of your plant foot is crucial for accuracy and power. Even small inconsistencies can lead to missed kicks.

What to Avoid:

• Planting too far from or too close to the ball.

• Pointing your plant foot in the wrong direction.

How to Fix It:

• Measure Your Steps: Practice your approach repeatedly to ensure consistent plant foot placement.

• Check Alignment: Your plant foot should land about 6-8 inches to the side of the ball, with toes pointing toward your target.

• Use Markers: Place a marker on the ground during practice to ensure your plant foot lands in the correct spot.

  
  

6. Failing to Adapt to Conditions

Weather, field conditions, and game situations can all impact your performance. Failing to adapt can result in poor kicks.

What to Avoid:

• Ignoring wind direction and speed.

• Overlooking uneven field surfaces.

• Not adjusting for game pressure.

How to Fix It:

• Practice in Various Conditions: Train in windy, wet, or cold weather to simulate game scenarios.

• Scout the Field: Before the game, walk the field to assess its condition and plan your adjustments.

• Stay Flexible: Be prepared to modify your approach or technique based on the circumstances.

  
  

7. Lack of Proper Warm-Up

Skipping or rushing through your warm-up can lead to stiffness and poor performance.

What to Avoid:

• Jumping straight into full-power kicks without stretching.

• Skipping dynamic warm-up exercises.

How to Fix It:

• Follow a Warm-Up Routine: Begin with light cardio, followed by dynamic stretches targeting your legs, hips, and core.

• Start with Short Kicks: Gradually build up to full-power kicks to avoid straining your muscles.

• Incorporate Mobility Drills: Focus on exercises that improve flexibility and range of motion.

  
  

8. Ignoring Feedback

Some kickers resist feedback, whether from coaches, teammates, or even their own performance reviews. This can slow down improvement.

What to Avoid:

• Dismissing constructive criticism.

• Repeating the same mistakes without adjustment.

How to Fix It:

• Be Open-Minded: View feedback as an opportunity to grow, not as criticism.

• Ask for Insights: Actively seek advice from coaches, mentors, and peers.

• Review Your Performance: Analyze game footage to identify patterns and areas for improvement.

Avoiding common mistakes is a crucial part of becoming a consistent and reliable kicker. By focusing on fundamentals, managing your workload, preparing mentally, and staying adaptable, you can elevate your performance and build confidence. At M.A.N. Kicking, we’re dedicated to helping kickers refine their skills and reach their full potential. Remember, even the smallest adjustments can lead to significant improvements on the field.