Overhead kick

An acrobatic move also known as a ‘bicycle kick’ in which a player leaps off the ground with both feet and strikes the ball back over their head. This way of scoring a goal is similar to a scissor kick but with a few minor differences.

When do players use an overhead kick?

An overhead kick is usually a technique used when attacking an opponent’s goal and it may happen when the ball is behind the attacking player high above head height, making it difficult for the player to control or header the ball.

However, the overhead kick has been adapted and is useful all over the pitch in different ways. This acrobatic move can even be useful for defenders when defending an opponent’s attack or clearing the ball from their goal area.

Are there any risks when performing an overhead kick?

If an overhead kick is performed correctly then the outcome can be important for the team and provide a crucial goal in a spectacular way.

However, it can be a risk for a player if this move isn’t performed in the right way as it can often lead to a foul or caution. For example, if the player misses the ball and connects with the player, this can be deemed dangerous play by the referee and can result in a yellow card or even a red card being given.

Another risk could be that the player performs the overhead kick incorrectly and as a result injures themselves as they could fall awkwardly to the ground.