The up and under is used... ...primarily
to get out of... ...difficult defensive positions... ...where
the kicker is somewhat isolated.
It is also used in attacking
situations... ...where other
options are reduced... ...or non-existent.
Using
this kick
provides the potential... ...to make ground
rapidly... ...and put the defense under pressure. You
kick the ball to a great height... ...and when it descends
from the clouds... ...it is difficult for defenders to catch... ...especially
when attacking players... ...are racing in to tackle.
You
may also create chaos
if the ball bounces... ...shooting
off unpredictably... ...and possibly being mishandled
by players.
How
do you do an up and under
This kick is similar in action... ...to the spiral punt
kick... ...differing
only in where... ...the ball
points... ...and what you do with your toes.
Hold
the ball in both hands,... ...ball
pretty
level with
the ground... One hand is above the ball... ...one
hand below
The
length of the ball... ...is facing straight across your
chest.
Swing it up to shoulder height... ...then
remove your lifting hand... ...from under the ball.
Now
you have the ball
at arms length... ...perfectly positioned
for the kick... ...just
as in the image.
Up and under
starting position As you step
forward to kick... ...the ball hangs there
under ...your out-stretched
fingers and thumb... ...moulded
to the shape of the ball. Gently remove your hand... ...as
the ball starts to drift
down... ...towards your foot... ...which
is coming through to kick
This guides the ball
down... ...towards
your foot... ...maintaining the correct
positioning... ...of the ball.
As
you are positioning the ball... ...you
are also stepping... ...into the kick.
You
bring your leg through... ...at
the same time the ball arrives... ...at foot height... ...and
WALLOP!
You strike the ball... ...with the bony part... ...high
on your foot... ...the part covered by your laces.
Up and
under finishing position Avoid
pointing your toes... ...keep your toes pulled back. In
the follow through
ending to the kick... ...have a near 90 degree angle at
your ankle... ...toes
pulled up towards you. Kick in a straight line... ...towards
your intended target.
Remember to follow through... ...for
best accuracy
and... ...maximum height.
Practice kicking along straight
lines on the field. This gives you plenty of
feedback... ...about whether or not you are accurate... ...and
just how far you are
kicking.
Go for accuracy first. Putting
the ball consistently where you want it... ...is most
important. Distance and
height will build.
Close-up
view of the up and under kick
Up and
under close-up
After the ball has gone. Note
the toes pulled back... ...encouraging the ball to go high in
the air... ...rather than travel forward for distance.