How to Curve a Soccer Ball

Co-authored by Walter Merino

Last Updated: November 7, 2024 Approved

Kicking a soccer ball is not always as straightforward as you might think. You can add an element of surprise to your kicks by making the ball curve in mid-flight. By kicking the ball with varying amounts of spin, it is possible to achieve a dramatic bend in the path of your kick. Experiment with different strengths of kicks combined with the right amount of spin, and you’ll be able to catch your opponents off guard curving the ball around them.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Spinning the Ball

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1
Line up your kick. Approach the ball at an angle of 90 degrees. You will plant your non kicking foot about 12-16 inches away from the ball.
- Set up slightly off center from where you would if you wanted to kick the ball straight.
- A right footed kicker should approach the ball from left to right and a left footed kicker from right to left.
- Begin your approach 7-10 feet back with enough room for 3 strides before kicking.
In order to make the ball curve, you have to make the ball spin in flight. Spinning the ball is achieved by applying more force to one side than the other.

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To make the ball curve to the left you need to kick it on the right side to apply counter-clockwise spin. Kicking the ball on the left side will make it spin clockwise and curve right.^{[1]
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EXPERT TIP

Walter Merino
Soccer Coach
Walter Merino is a Youth Soccer Coach and Co-Founder of Ole Soccer Club based out of the Los Angeles, California area. He has coached youth from the age of four to the high school and college levels. Walter has played collegiate soccer for Cal Poly Pomona and Los Angeles Mission College. His accomplishments include coaching Olé Soccer Club to win the 2017 Cal South State Cup Governors Boys 2007 Division title.

Walter Merino
Soccer Coach

Be sure to follow through the kick all the way. If you're trying to work on crosses or curving, practice hitting passes with the inside of your foot. You also have to curve your legs, so as you hit the ball, follow through and swing your legs in a J shape. The more you practice that, the better you'll be able to manipulate the ball to curve certain ways.
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Kick the ball with different amounts of power. The amount of spin on the ball will vary based upon how hard you kick and where you strike the ball.^{[2]
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- Practice different strengths of kicks to see which gives you the most spin.
- Strike the ball in different positions to vary the amount of spin you give the ball.

Part 2

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Practicing the Kick

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1
Set up a target to curve the ball around. Place a cone 20-30 feet in front of where the ball is placed. Use this as a guide to practice curving the ball around the cone.
- Place the cone directly in front of your kicking path.
- Aim the ball to the side of the cone.
- Try to get the ball to curve back around the cone after passing it.
2
Kick the ball low and off to one side. As you strike the ball aim for a spot that is near the bottom of the ball to provide lift. Depending on which side of the ball you kick, you will get different directions of spin, and consequently, different directions of curve.
- Clockwise spin, from a kick to the left side of the ball, will create a curve to the right.
- Counter-clockwise spin, from a kick to the right side of the ball, will curve the ball to the left.
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Swing your leg around as your kick. As you move your leg forward and strike the ball, add extra spin by pushing the ball around with your foot.^{[3]
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- While your foot is in contact with the ball bring your leg across your body to give the ball extra spin.
4
Attempt kicks from various field positions. There are many times when curving a soccer ball can be useful during a game. Try kicking the ball with spin from various field positions to practice for game time:
- Corner Kicks
- Free Kicks
- Penalty Kicks
Lionel Messi, Professional Soccer Player

Push your game, experiment, and learn new things. "The day you think there is no improvements to be made is a sad one for any player."

Part 3

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Aiming your Shot

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Decide what you are trying to curve the ball around. How much spin you put on the ball depends on how much curve you want your shot to take.
- Curving around a wall of defenders requires lots of spin.
- Curving the ball to fool a goalie on a free kick may require less spin.
- To score on your own corner kick takes a large curve.
The Magnus Effect causes a ball to curve or bend in the direction it is spinning. If you want the ball to curve right, it should spin to the right.
If you are planning to curve the ball to the left, kick the ball a little to the left of your target to account for the curve. Conversely, if you plan to curve the ball to the right, you should aim left of your target.

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I tried to bend the ball but it didn't work. What can I do?

Community Answer

If you tried to bend it and it was too low, get your foot underneath it more. If it didn't curl, try to hit it closer to the edges. Keep practicing, you'll get there.

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Can kids curve the ball?

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Yes, kids can curve a soccer ball, but it takes quite a lot of practice. Also, if they are in the position forward, their coach should be teaching them how to curve the ball while doing corner kicks.

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Do I have to hit with the middle of my foot? That's too hard for me.

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No, you can hit the ball with the top of your foot, by the laces. The side of your foot is mostly used for passing the ball.

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Less powerful kicks can result in more spin and curve than a direct fast kick.

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Practice before game time to avoid accidentally kicking the ball away.

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Try different amounts of lift on the ball to change the amount of curve.

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