A bicycle kick is a backwards overhead strike where you jump, arch your back, and swing one leg up and over your body to meet the ball

The bicycle kick—also called a scissors kick or overhead kick—sends the ball toward goal by using momentum and timing rather than a traditional forward swing. Your body moves almost horizontally through the air, with one leg driving upward while the other follows. The ball connects with your instep or the inside of your foot as you complete the arc. It is a high-difficulty move that requires practice on the ground before you attempt it in a match.

Most players learn the bicycle kick by drilling the motion repeatedly in training, starting from a standing position and progressing to a moving ball. Once you can land the technique consistently in practice, you can begin using it in low-pressure game situations—a friendly match or a moment when your team has possession and space to spare. A rematch gives you a second chance to execute the move against the same opponent, with the advantage of knowing what worked and what did not the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • The bicycle kick requires you to jump backward, arch your back, and swing your leg upward to strike the ball overhead, which takes weeks of ground drills to perform safely.
  • Start by practicing the motion without a ball, then with a stationary ball, then with a partner tossing the ball to you before attempting it during play.
  • Your plant foot (the one that stays on the ground longest) determines your balance and the direction of your shot, so positioning it correctly is the foundation of the move.
  • In a rematch, use video or memory of your first attempt to identify whether you mistimed the jump, positioned your body incorrectly, or struck the ball with the wrong part of your foot.
  • A bicycle kick is highest-percentage when the ball arrives at chest height or slightly above, giving you room to arch backward without losing balance.

Master the ground drill before you jump

Begin on flat ground with no ball. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, then step forward with your dominant leg. Swing your non-dominant leg up and across your body in a wide arc, as if kicking an imaginary ball overhead. Your torso should rotate and arch backward as your leg rises. Return to standing and repeat 10 to 15 times on each side.

Once the motion feels natural, add a stationary ball. Place it on the ground in front of you, step forward, and swing your leg to strike it. The ball will not go far—the point is to groove the timing of your foot meeting the ball at the top of your arc. Do this 20 times, then switch legs. After a week of daily ground drills, your body will know the shape of the move without thinking about it.

Progress to a tossed ball with a partner

Ask a teammate to stand 8 to 10 feet away and toss the ball underhand to your chest height. As the ball arrives, take one step forward with your plant foot, then jump and perform the bicycle kick motion. Your partner should toss from the same spot each time so you can predict the ball's path and focus only on your technique.

Start with tosses that arrive directly in front of you. Once you land 5 in a row, ask your partner to toss slightly to your left or right so you must adjust your plant foot position. This teaches you to read the ball's location and move your body to meet it. Spend 15 to 20 minutes on this drill, three times a week, for at least two weeks before you try the move in a match.

Identify what went wrong in your first attempt

If you attempted a bicycle kick in your first match against this opponent and it did not work, the fault usually falls into one of three categories: timing, positioning, or contact. Timing means you jumped too early or too late, so the ball was either above or below your foot when you swung. Positioning means your plant foot was too far forward or too far back, throwing off your balance. Contact means you struck the ball with your heel or your toe instead of your instep.

Watch video of your first attempt if it exists, or ask a teammate who was watching to describe what they saw. Did the ball sail over your head? You jumped too late. Did you fall backward before you could swing? You jumped too early or your plant foot was too close to the ball. Did the ball go wide or weak? You likely struck it off-center. Each of these points to a specific fix you can drill before the rematch.

Adjust your plant foot position for the rematch

Your plant foot is the one that stays on the ground longest and determines where your body is when you strike. If your first attempt sent the ball too high or too wide, your plant foot was likely too close to the ball or not aligned with your target. In the rematch, place your plant foot 12 to 18 inches behind where the ball will be, not directly under it.

Point your plant foot toward your target (the goal or a teammate). As you jump, your body will rotate around that foot, and your striking leg will swing upward and forward. This alignment is the single biggest factor in controlling where the ball goes. Spend one training session drilling this specific positioning before you face the opponent again.

Choose the right moment in the rematch to attempt it

A bicycle kick is highest-percentage when the ball arrives at chest height or slightly above, when you have space around you (no defenders closing in), and when your team has possession and can afford a failed attempt. In the rematch, watch for a cross coming from the wing or a high pass from a midfielder. These are the moments when the ball is already in the air and at the right height.

Avoid attempting the move when a defender is within arm's reach, when the ball is below waist height, or when your team is defending. A failed bicycle kick leaves you on the ground for a moment, which is dangerous if the other team has the ball nearby. If the first match showed you that you are not yet consistent with the move, use the rematch to practice it only in situations where a miss does not cost you the game.

Drill the specific scenario from your first match

If your first attempt came from a corner kick, a cross from the right wing, or a specific type of pass, recreate that scenario in training. Have a teammate deliver the ball the same way, from the same angle, and practice your response 10 to 15 times. Your body will learn to recognize that setup and react faster in the rematch.

This targeted drill is more valuable than general bicycle kick practice because it trains your timing and positioning for the exact situation you will face. It also builds confidence—when the same ball arrives in the rematch, your body will recognize it and execute the move more smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What part of my foot should I use to strike the ball?

Use your instep (the inside of your foot, from your big toe to your ankle bone) or the top of your foot just below your toes. These surfaces give you the most control and power. Avoid your heel or your toe, which are harder to aim and often send the ball off target.

How long does it take to learn a bicycle kick?

Most players can land the move consistently in training within three to four weeks of daily drills. Using it reliably in a match takes longer—usually two to three months of regular practice. A rematch gives you a second chance to execute what you have learned since your first attempt.

Is a bicycle kick dangerous?

Yes, it carries a higher injury risk than other kicks because you are airborne and your vision is limited. Always practice on a soft surface first, wear shin guards, and avoid the move in crowded areas. Never attempt it if you are not confident in your balance and timing.

What if the ball is too low for a bicycle kick?

If the ball is below waist height, a bicycle kick is not the right choice. Use a standard volley, a half-volley, or a ground strike instead. Save the bicycle kick for balls at chest height or above, where the technique is safest and most effective.

Can I use my weaker foot for a bicycle kick?

Yes, but it requires extra practice. Spend time drilling the move on both sides so your weaker foot can execute it under pressure. In the rematch, you may have a choice of which leg to use depending on how the ball arrives—practice both so you have options.