Are you a soccer fan looking to take your game to the next level? If so, then you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will explore one of soccer’s most exciting and powerful moves: the scorpion kick. You may have seen some of your favorite professional players execute this move on TV or maybe even heard it mentioned by commentators.
But what exactly is a scorpion kick? And how can you master this tricky technique for yourself? Read on as we answer all these questions, as well as provide helpful tips for executing a successful scorpion kick.
A scorpion kick in soccer is an acrobatic move in which players use their heels to deflect the ball away from their own goal. The move is named after the scorpion due to the player’s body positioning and the way they use their legs to strike the ball, resembling the animal’s stinger. It is a high-risk move that is rarely used in professional matches due to the difficulty of executing it successfully. Still, it remains one of the most acrobatic moves in soccer.
When Was Scorpion Kick First Introduced?
The scorpion kick, also known as the “scissor kick,” is a spectacular and acrobatic move in soccer that involves a player using their heels to deflect the ball away from their own goal. The move is named after the scorpion due to the player’s body positioning and the way they use their legs to strike the ball, resembling the animal’s stinger.
The move was first popularized by Colombian goalkeeper Rene Higuita in the 1990s, but it has since been executed by players in various positions on the field. Higuita is credited with performing the first scorpion kick in a professional soccer match, which took place on August 17, 1995, in a friendly match between Colombia and England at Wembley Stadium.
During the match, Higuita came off his line to intercept a long pass and, with his back to the goal, used his heels to deflect the ball over his head and out of danger. The move was met with amazement and disbelief by both fans and players, and it quickly gained widespread attention and fame. Since then, the scorpion kick has become a popular move in soccer and has been attempted by players worldwide.
Why Is It Called Scorpion Kick?
The “scorpion kick” is a dramatic and acrobatic move that requires great strength and flexibility from the goalkeeper. To execute the move, the goalkeeper must be quick on their feet and able to anticipate the trajectory of the incoming ball.
As the ball approaches, the goalkeeper must arch their leg over their body and use the heel or instep of their foot to make the save. This motion is similar to how a scorpion arches its tail over its body and prepares to strike with its stinger when feeling threatened.
The physical stance of the goalkeeper during the “scorpion kick” is what gives the move its name. As they arch their leg over their body, they resemble a scorpion with its tail raised in a defensive position. Therefore, the name “scorpion kick” is a way to describe and reference this unique and impressive soccer technique, which is characterized by its similarity to the defensive stance of a scorpion.
How Do You Do Scorpion Kick In Soccer?
To execute a scorpion kick, the goalkeeper must first position themselves on the ground, with their feet facing towards the direction of the incoming ball.
This means they need to anticipate where the ball is going to be and get into position in advance. Once they are in position, they must be ready to react quickly and forcefully strike the ball away from the goal with their feet.
At the same time as they are striking the ball, they must also lift their legs off the ground and arch their back, creating a “scorpion” shape with their body.
This requires a high level of strength, agility, and coordination, as the goalkeeper needs to be able to control the movement of their legs and body while also reacting to the ball. The motion of the scorpion kick should be smooth and fluid, with the goalkeeper using their entire body to generate power and redirect the ball away from the goal.
Can You Do Scorpion Kick In Any Other Sports?
Can this move be executed in other sports as well? The short answer is no, the scorpion kick is specific to soccer and is not a move commonly seen or utilized in other sports.
While the scorpion kick may be a thrilling and impressive move in soccer, it is not a move that is applicable or practical in other sports. In most other sports, the ball is not struck with the same force or trajectory as it is in soccer, and the field of play is not as large, making it more difficult for a player to have the necessary space and time to execute the scorpion kick.
In addition, the scorpion kick requires a high level of agility, balance, and body control, which may be less essential in other sports.
Did Anybody Score A Goal With Scorpion Kick?
Yes, Olivier Giroud did score a goal with a scorpion kick in soccer! The scorpion kick, also known as the “back heel flick,” is a flashy and acrobatic move in which a player uses the heel of their foot to flick the ball behind them, often while performing a backflip or somersault. It’s a difficult and impressive feat that requires excellent balance, coordination, and body control.
Giroud, a French professional footballer who plays as a forward for AC Milan, pulled off this impressive move during a Premier League match against Crystal Palace in January 2017. He received a pass from a teammate, controlled the ball with his chest, and then executed a perfect scorpion kick to score an incredible goal.
The move was so spectacular that it quickly went viral on social media and became one of the most memorable goals in Premier League history. Despite its difficulty, the scorpion kick has been attempted by a number of other players over the years, with mixed results. Some have succeeded in scoring goals with this move, while others have failed to execute it properly.
Whether it’s successful or not, the scorpion kick is a thrilling and exciting move that continues to captivate soccer fans worldwide.
