Football Square Toe Kicking Shoes
Football Square Toe Kicking Shoes
The Original Style "Square toe" football kicking shoe for straight on kickers! Leather upper and lower(sole) with detachable cleats. The search is over for Square-toe kicking shoes.
Please order the square toe kicking shoe 1/2 to a full size smaller than normal shoe size. This will insure a "tight" fit and maximize impact when kicking the football.
NOTE: Most sizes between 7 1/2 to 15 are generally available. Half sizes go only to 12 1/2. This shoe is a very specialized product and availability may be limited. We may sell out of a certain size at any time. Product is generally manufactered once a year and stock is normally at a maximum level in the month of July.
The Strider Square-Toe Kicking Shoe design is based on the "original style" square toe kicking shoe favored by legendary straight-on kickers for nearly a century! Since 1917, the "Square-Toe Kicking Shoe" was made to fit the kicking foot of the kicking leg similar to that of a regular shoe - with a "very slight" rise of the front toe area of the kicking foot. This natural angle of the kicking foot keeps the flat (square) facing of the kicking shoe in a more comfortable and consistent position for kicking the optimum spot of the football.
This same natural angle, designed into the Strider "Square-Toe Kicking Shoe" best positions the face of the kicking shoe to match the curvature of the football while the ankle of the kicking leg is in a "locked" position prior to impact. This enables the kicker to make solid contact with the "sweet spot," maximizing compression of the ball and thus, enabling greater accuracy, height and distance when kicking the football.
The leather (upper and lower sole) with detachable "male" cleats, is constructed to fit snug to ensure solid contact with the football at impact.
Simple design. Proven effective. The Strider Square-Toe Kicking Shoe!
Straight-on Kicking Instruction
Sweet Spot
The sweet spot of the football for straight-on style kickers is located approximately 1 ½ inches down from the football's widest segment. Kicking this area of the football is most effective for achieving the greatest height and distance.
Proper Alignment
There are numerous ways a straight-on kicker can align properly. The kicker should develop a consistent method to mark his steps off and thus achieve proper depth and alignment. Most importantly, the marking off of steps should be done the same way every time!
3steps Back DETERMINES DEPTH
The straight-on kicker must first position himself at the point of placement (tee or spot the ball will be held) and locate his target zone. He should then take the initial (3) steps back (beginning with his kicking foot) keeping the kicking leg, point of placement and target zone all in direct line. The plant foot (non-kicking foot) should be placed parallel to the kicking foot and also pointed straight ahead towards the target. It is important for the kicker to "toe the line" once the steps are completed. In other words, the kicking foot, point of placement and the target zone all should be aligned on the same imaginary line.
In order to achieve the proper depth, the kicker should mark his steps off every time! This will allow the kicker to start and finish in the same position each time and also provide consistency in the meeting of the foot with the ball.
The Stance
A good stance will allow the straight-on kicker to get the ball off (kicked) quickly and accurately.
The two recommended ways to position the feet are:
1 Kicking foot forward. This stance is best for toeing the line.
2 Feet parallel.
The steps for extra points and field goals are the same. They should be smooth, aggressive and straight (towards the target zone). The first step is with the kicking foot. It varies from a short jab step to a half (1/2) step, equivalent to about half the length of a normal stride.
First Step
The first step is important not only in determining the direction of the kick, but also the position the second step (plant foot) is to be placed.
The entire body (hip/shoulders) should be directly facing and square to the target. The body weight is forward and concentrated on the balls of the feet.
COACHING POINT:
The purpose of the forward body lean is to aid the forward momentum on the initial step. The amount of the body lean is determined by the individual.
Head & Eyes Position
After the target zone has been picked, the head should be placed down and remain down throughout the entire kicking motion. The eyes should be focused on the point where the ball is to be spotted.
To help you relax, take a deep breath and release it slowly.
Ball Position COACHING POINT:
The hold should be straight up and down with the laces ideally facing the target. The laces should not face the kicker.
When tilting the football backward the holder decreases the exposed portion of the sweet spot. An erect placement will allow the kicker to see the entire football, thus enabling him to hit just under the ball's middle to get maximum height and distance.
The second step (plant step) is the key to the swing of the kicking leg and should be pointed directly in line with the target. The plant foot should land approximately four to six inches to the outside of the ball and approximately six to eight inches opposite the kicking foot. The plant foot should also be just behind the ball in a position which will allow the kicking foot to make optimal contact with the sweet spot of the ball.
COACHING POINTS:
If the ball is spotted on the ground, the plant foot should be placed closer to compensate for the lowering of the ball. The first and second step should be directed straight ahead throughout the entire kicking motion.
This is a natural motion where the kicking leg swings down, up and through the ball. At the beginning of the downswing the kicking leg will actually draw back and bend at the knee. As the kicking leg moves forward the upper body straightens up as the foot makes contact with the ball. To maximize power and to strike the ball's sweet spot correctly, the ankle of the kicking foot must be locked with the toes a few inches higher than the heel.
COACHING POINTS:
To maximize power and to strike the ball’s sweet spot correctly, the ankle of the kicking foot must be locked with the toes a few inches higher than the heel.
On impact (with the plant foot pointed in the direction of the target), the kicking foot should kick through the football directly toward the target. At this time, the entire body is upright and all motion should be headed in the direction of the target.
At the moment of impact, the support leg will straighten, and power is generated up and forward from the ground. As the ball leaves the foot and the kicking leg begins its follow through, the support foot (plant foot) will rise up on the toes. The momentum of the leg swing will actually lift the plant foot off the ground, and it should skip forward in the direction of the target. Do not force this action; let it happen naturally!
The kicking leg should follow through straight and up-through the target.
The leg should be extended and have achieved a height ranging from chest level to above the head. The ankle must remain locked! Proper kicking mechanics are based on where the ball is to be kicked. Therefore, beginning with the initial step and throughout the entire kicking motion, everything should be in a direct line and toward the target. This includes the steps, hips, shoulders, leg swing, kicking foot, plant foot, and follow through...The body and all motion should be in direct alignment with and square to (facing) the target.
