In soccer - what is meant by "kick with your instep"? Parts of the foot question.?

Question

I am still not clear what my soccer coaches meant (way back when) when they said to kick with your instep. A few questions:

1) Should the same part of the foot be used to shoot on goal, pass and/or kick a goal kick?

2) Or should the instep only be used when passing?

3) Would the instep be roughly the part of the foot which faces your opposite foot? Or is it the area where your shoelaces would be found?

4) What part of the foot should be used for making a shot on goal or making a goal kick?

Thanks!!

Awesome - thanks a lot. Indeed I now have three boys - the elder two of which will soon be taking soccer. Don't want to teach them the wrong way!

Answer 1

Ok, let me clarify (I think your coach was litte confused about soccer)
I try to clarify the matter in telling you how it should be explained to kids when learning about soccer.
The "instep" is the region on top of the foot where the shoelaces are tied. The parts of the foot, including the instep, should be defined to beginners because various kicks and traps are named by the part of the foot used in their execution (e.g., inside of the foot kick, sole of the foot trap). This will help to alleviate future misunderstandings.

Please remember: in soccer, as long as you achieve what you want to do, any kick technique can be used, and it is an individual choice of play.

1) Should the same part of the foot be used to shoot on goal, pass and/or kick a goal kick?
---> In soccer anything can be used for everything, but the instep kick is the most poweful shot you can made, therefore it can be used for shot on goal and/or for the goal kick. Passing with the instep it is not the best thing you can do: in passing the inside step is the most accurate shot. Yet, for log passes where power is required, insidestep can be used (yet, it may lack presision).

2) Or should the instep only be used when passing?
---> Like said above, it is not suggested to be used for passing, but sometimes can be used for long, powerful passes.

3) Would the instep be roughly the part of the foot which faces your opposite foot? Or is it the area where your shoelaces would be found?
---> Already answered: the "instep" is the region on top of the foot where the shoelaces are tied.

4) What part of the foot should be used for making a shot on goal or making a goal kick?
---> That would be the instep kick, then again, many players can use efficiently any other kick for those two actions (inside step, outside step, toe kick, etc...)

Answer 2

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
In soccer - what is meant by "kick with your instep"? Parts of the foot question.?
I am still not clear what my soccer coaches meant (way back when) when they said to kick with your instep. A few questions:

1) Should the same part of the foot be used to shoot on goal, pass and/or kick a goal kick?

2) Or should the instep only be used when passing?

3) Would the instep be...

Answer 3

Instep Foot

Answer 4

The instep is the portion of the foot on the side, facing the other foot (the arch). It is the INside of where you STEP (get it?). For short to medium passes and shots this area gives the greatest accuracy and control.

For longer range kicks, goal kickes, corners etc, the best part of the foot to use is the area on top of the toes (not the tips).

As someone pointed out though, it's whatever works for a particular situation--there's no hard and fast rules

Answer 5

Instep Definition

Answer 6

Use the instep part of your foot (where the boot laces lie) to hit long passes. To hit a relatively high, long pass, approach the ball at a slight angle or straight on. Plant your non-kicking foot to the side of the ball. Point your kicking foot downwards and aim to strike the middle of the ball with your boot laces. Your kicking foot should follow through, pointing to the target.

Answer 7

it's where the laces are on top of your foot