Difference Between Bicycle Kick And Overhead Kick
What is a Bicycle Kick?
A bicycle kick, also known as an overhead kick or scissors kick, is a technique used in soccer to shoot or pass the ball while jumping in the air with your back to the goal. To perform the bicycle kick, a player will jump up, kick one leg forward while simultaneously kicking the other leg back, and then land on the opposite foot.
What is an Overhead Kick?
An overhead kick, also known as a scissors kick or bicycle kick, is a technique used in soccer to shoot or pass the ball while jumping in the air with your back to the goal. To perform the overhead kick, a player will jump up, kick one leg forward while simultaneously kicking the other leg back, and then land on the opposite foot.
Differences Between Bicycle Kick and Overhead Kick
Although both techniques involve jumping in the air and kicking the ball with both legs, there are some key differences between the bicycle kick and the overhead kick:
- Body Position: In the bicycle kick, the player's body is facing sideways to the goal, while in the overhead kick, the player's body is facing towards the goal.
- Ball Contact: In the bicycle kick, the player makes contact with the ball using the top of their foot, while in the overhead kick, the player makes contact with the ball using the inside of their foot.
- Height: The overhead kick is typically performed at a higher height than the bicycle kick, as the player needs to get their body higher into the air to make contact with the ball.
When to Use the Bicycle Kick vs. the Overhead Kick
Both techniques can be effective in certain situations, but there are some general guidelines for when to use each one:
- Bicycle Kick: The bicycle kick is best used when the ball is coming from behind the player, or when the player is facing away from the goal and needs to quickly turn and shoot.
- Overhead Kick: The overhead kick is best used when the ball is coming from in front of the player, or when the player has a clear view of the goal and can aim for a specific spot.
Conclusion
Both the bicycle kick and the overhead kick are impressive techniques that require skill, timing, and athleticism to perform. While they may look similar at first glance, there are some key differences between the two that can make one more effective than the other in certain situations. By understanding these differences, players can make more informed decisions about when to use each technique on the field.