How to Consistently Kick Line Drives in Kickball

One of the most challenging aspects of kicking a kickball is often keeping the ball on the ground. Unlike baseball where a batter has the ability to really hit the ball far which spreads out the defensive players, in kickball due to the nature of the sport and the size of the ball, most kicked balls rarely make it very far out of the infield. This makes keeping the ball low or keeping the ball on the ground incredibly important as any popup or fly ball is likely going to be caught.

So in today's post we're going to be giving some technique and strategy tips on how to keep the ball low and how to consistently kick line drives and hard grounders which are more likely to get you on base. Fly balls, pop-ups and soft line drives are incredibly easy to catch. By keeping the ball on the ground or kicking hard line drives you're going to force the opposing players to either make a good play on a line drive or field a grounder and make a strong accurate throw to first. When you have runners on base you're also more likely to be able to advance runners even if you windup being thrown out. 

Tips & Techniques for Kicking Line Drives & Ground Balls

Kick the Top of the Ball

Regardless of whether you're bunting, kicking with the side of your foot, or kicking with your laces a sure fire way to keep the ball low or to keep the ball on the ground is by kicking the top of the ball. Popups occur and the ball gets air when you get your foot under the ball or kick the bottom of the ball. Keep your contact with the ball towards the upper half of the ball and chances are you'll wind up kicking a ground ball or a hard line drive. 

Kick with the Laces of your Shoe

A lot of players have a tendency to kick under the ball. When you get under the ball the ball is going to get air. By kicking with the laces of your shoe you're going to be much more likely to kick grounders or line drives. You achieve this by straightening your foot, locking your ankle and trying to make contact on the upper half of the ball with your laces.

Be Planted Over the Ball When Kicking

A lot of players at bat have a tendency to throw their foot out in front of them, get under the ball, and really lift the ball. This the opposite of what we are trying to do if we're trying to keep the ball low or on the ground. When you kick, try to approach the ball, plant your non kicking foot, wait for the ball to be just under your shoulders and center mass, and then kick.

Kick with the Side of your Foot (Instep)

Generally it's a better idea to kick with your laces than your instep. While kicking with one's instep works in soccer, that's a different sport with a soccer ball being more inflated as well as a harder ball kicking with your instep works better. I'm hesitant to recommend kicking with your instep often, however if you really want a lot of control over the ball, kicking with your instep or side of your foot can be effective as you have more surface area on that part of your foot. With these types of kicks you're going for accuracy over power. I recommend this type of kick if you have a runner on second base and want to advance them to third. Having this added control can be a great way to kick a ground ball to the second baseman or first baseman to try to advance a runner. 

Kick with a Short Punt, Not a Hard Kick

One of the best ways to kick the ball fairly hard while keeping it low or on the ground is short punch like kicks, almost like a jab with your foot. Don't wind up, don't follow through too much, address the ball and throw a hard strong, but short kick focusing on kicking with your laces or even your shins. This is a great way to kick hard grounders or hard low line drive up the middle.