How to Kick Bouncy Pitches in Kickball

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to being a batter or kicker playing kickball is keeping the ball on the ground. Fly balls and popups are too easy to catch on such a small field so the name of the game is kicking hard ground balls and low strong line drives. This is challenging under normal circumstances, but becomes even tougher when the pitcher you're facing is pitching bouncing pitches.

Now in most leagues there's a rule the ball can't bounce higher than six inches, though you will find some umps will allow balls to come in nearly knee high and still call strikes. So in this post we're going to talk strategy and technique regarding how to kick against a pitcher who's bouncing the ball at you. 

Move Back in the Box

Moving back in the box may be a strategy for kicking against a bouncy pitcher. This won't always work, at the field I play at the fence / backstop is only a couple feet behind home plate, however if you have the room move back a couple feet behind home plate and give the ball a chance to settle down a little before kicking it. 

Kick the Ball on the Way Down from a Bounce

This is easier said than done, especially if the pitcher is throwing the ball in hard or at a good speed, however try to time your approach and kick so that you're kicking the ball as it's falling towards the grond as opposed to up in the air. 

Kick Leaning Forward Over the Ball

Another strategy for dealing with a pitcher throwing bouncing pitches is to try to lean forward when kicking, some will refer to this as keeping your "t!ts over the ball". When players throw their foot forward and lean their backs backward it tends to send the ball high. The opposite will happen when you keep your chest over the ball or lean forward, it will force you to try to keep the ball on the ground.

Maintain Eye Contact with the Ball

Lastly, maintain eye contact with the ball. This should go without saying, however many players take the their eye off the ball, maintain eye contact with the ball so you can make sure you're kicking the bouncing ball, and also making contact on the area of the ball you want to be hitting ie the upper half of the kickball. 

Kicking with your Shin

This can be tough or challenging to do, however I will say when I make strong contact with my shin I get some of my strongest kicks. When a pitcher is throwing bouncing pitches at you and the umpire is allowing it to happen sometimes you're only option is to kick with your shin.

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.