The Concrete Foot: How to Lock Your Ankle for a Harder Shot

Have you ever kicked a soccer ball as hard as you can, only to watch it roll slowly to the goalie? Or worse, has your foot ever bent backward and hurt when you tried to shoot?

This happens because of a floppy foot.

When you kick a ball, the ball pushes back against your foot. If your foot is soft, it bends. The ball steals all your power, and your foot gets sore.

To kick the ball hard, you need to turn your foot into a solid piece of wood. Soccer coaches call this locking your ankle. Here is how to do it.

The Pool Noodle vs. The Baseball Bat

Imagine trying to hit a home run with a wet pool noodle. Even if you swing as fast as you can, the ball will not go far. The noodle is too soft. It bends when it hits the ball.

Now, imagine swinging a wooden baseball bat. The bat does not bend. All of your swinging energy goes straight into the ball.

When you lock your ankle, you turn your floppy leg into a wooden bat.

How to Lock Your Ankle

Locking your ankle is simple, but it takes practice to make it a habit. Follow these three steps before you swing at the ball:

• Point your toes down: Point the toes of your kicking foot straight down at the grass. This pulls the front of your foot tight.
• Squeeze your leg muscles: Squeeze your calf muscle and your ankle. Try to make your joint feel frozen.
• Pass the wiggle test: Lift your foot off the ground. Try to shake your foot up and down. If it wiggles, it is still a pool noodle. Squeeze harder until your foot cannot move at all. It should feel like concrete.

Now that your foot is stiff, you are ready to kick.

Where to Hit the Ball

Do not kick the ball with your toes. That hurts, and the ball will go in a random direction.

Instead, hit the ball with your laces. Specifically, look for the hard bone on the top of your foot. It is just below your ankle, on the inside part of your laces. This is the hardest part of your foot.

When you swing, keep your toes pointed down. Even after you hit the ball, keep your toes pointed down at the grass.

Here is a secret that many young players do not know: land on your kicking foot.

When you shoot hard, your kicking foot should strike the ball, follow through, and be the first foot to touch the ground. This forces your whole body weight to go into the shot. If you try to stand still on your supporting foot, your ankle will often go floppy to keep you balanced.

Two Ways to Practice at Home

You do not need a big field to practice this. You can do it in your backyard or living room with a soft ball.

The Partner Push Sit on the floor with your legs out. Point your toes away from you like a ballerina. Squeeze your ankle so it is locked. Have a parent or friend gently try to push your toes up toward your face. Do not let them! If they can push your foot up easily, squeeze harder.

The Wall Tap Stand next to a wall with a ball. Stand on one foot. Lock your kicking ankle and point your toes down. Tap the ball against the wall using only your laces. Do not let your ankle bend. Keep the ball close and tap it back and forth 20 times. This builds muscle memory so your ankle locks automatically during a game.