England were victorious against Slovakia due to a piece of magic by the one and only Jude Bellingham. The young Madrid man scored an outrageous overhead kick to draw England level. England were on the cusp of elimination, a whole country expecting the worst once again against a side they were expected to beat. Attempting this effort in the pressurised environment showed the courage this young man has.
Top 5 overhead kicks in history
Jude’s overhead kick was a goal that many people will remember for years to come. However, there have been some overhead kicks that will be classed as some of the best goals ever lived. Here are five of the most memorable overhead kicks in football history:
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid vs. Juventus, 2018)
Cristiano Ronaldo's overhead kick for Real Madrid against Juventus in the 2018 UEFA Champions League quarter-final is often regarded as one of the greatest goals ever. Ronaldo's impeccable timing, technique, and the height he achieved left both fans and opponents in awe.
2. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid vs. Liverpool, 2018)
In the 2018 UEFA Champions League final, Gareth Bale scored a spectacular overhead kick against Liverpool. Coming off the bench, Bale's goal helped Real Madrid secure a 3-1 victory and win their 13th European title. The goal is remembered for its sheer audacity and execution on such a grand stage.
3. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United vs. Manchester City, 2011)
Wayne Rooney's overhead kick in the Manchester derby is one of the most iconic moments in Premier League history. Rooney's acrobatic effort helped Manchester United secure a 2-1 victory over their city rivals, and the goal was later voted the best in the first 20 years of the Premier League.
4. Zlatan Ibrahimović (Sweden vs. England, 2012)
Zlatan Ibrahimović's overhead kick for Sweden against England in a friendly match was nothing short of extraordinary. From about 30 yards out, Ibrahimović executed a perfectly timed bicycle kick that sailed over the goalkeeper and into the net, cementing his reputation for scoring spectacular goals.
5. Trevor Sinclair (Queens Park Rangers vs. Barnsley, 1997)
Trevor Sinclair's overhead kick for QPR against Barnsley in the FA Cup is often hailed as one of the best goals ever scored in the competition. Sinclair met the ball with perfect precision, and his acrobatic strike flew into the top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.
These goals are celebrated not just for their technical difficulty, but also for their significance in the matches in which they were scored.
Scoring an overhead kick (also known as a bicycle kick or scissor kick) in soccer is an impressive and challenging feat that requires technique, timing, and athleticism. Here's an overview of how to perform an overhead kick:
5 Steps to scoring an overhead kick
1. Positioning
- Awareness: Keep an eye on the ball and the defenders. Position yourself in a way that you have enough space to execute the kick without being obstructed.
- Body Position: Stand sideways to the direction you want to shoot. Your non-kicking foot should be planted firmly on the ground, slightly ahead of your kicking foot.
2. Timing and Ball Control
- Judge the Ball's Trajectory: Accurately judge the height and speed of the incoming ball. This is crucial for timing your jump and kick.
- Perfect Moment: Decide the exact moment to jump based on the ball's trajectory and speed. The ball should be at a height that allows you to extend your kicking leg fully.
3. The Jump and Kick
- Initiate the Jump: Push off with your non-kicking foot. Simultaneously, swing your kicking leg up while leaning your upper body backward.
- Body Coordination: As you jump, your kicking leg should be high in the air, and your non-kicking leg should push off the ground to give you the necessary lift. Your arms should be spread out to maintain balance.
- Executing the Kick: When the ball is in the perfect position, swing your kicking leg over your head while your non-kicking leg moves in the opposite direction. Aim to strike the ball with the instep of your foot.
4. Follow Through and Landing
- Follow Through: After making contact with the ball, follow through with your kicking leg to ensure power and accuracy.
- Safe Landing: Try to control your fall to avoid injury. Land on your back or side, using your arms to cushion the impact.
5. Practice and Safety
- Practice Regularly: This move requires a lot of practice to perfect. Start with low-height balls and gradually move to higher ones as you get more comfortable.
- Safety First: Always be aware of your surroundings to avoid colliding with other players. Practice on soft surfaces like grass or mats to reduce the risk of injury.
Tips for Success
- Stay Calm and Focused: Keeping your composure helps in executing the move smoothly.
- Strength and Flexibility: Regular exercises to strengthen your core and legs, as well as flexibility training, can help improve your ability to perform an overhead kick.
- Watch and Learn: Study professional players and how they execute overhead kicks. Analyse their technique and try to replicate it in your practice sessions.
With dedication and practice, you can master the overhead kick and add an impressive skill to your soccer repertoire.
The perfect way to improve your bicycle kicks is by using the Pro Skills trainer. To be able to practise a bicycle kick you can use the passing gate to be able to get the ball to rebound the ball in the air and perform a bicycle kick.
The Flick Pro Skills Trainer is an all-in-one training platform created to improve touch, control and agility using the adjustable front rebounder, passing gate and return ramp. Practise the same Scientifically Validated exercises as the Urban Skills Trainer but using enhanced features of PRO. Strike the ball through the passing gate & control the ball as it travels up the mesh ramp and back to you, allowing multiple skills to be practised at once including a bicycle kick.
