6 Important Football Terms
What's the difference between a Bicycle Kick and a Scissor Kick?
Key words
- Hat Trick: The achievement of scoring three goals in a single match
Lionel Messi's hat trick against Brazil in 2012 is one of the most famous examples.
- Perfect Hat Trick: Scoring three goals in one match using the left foot, right foot, and head
Cristiano Ronaldo's perfect hat trick against Getafe in 2013 demonstrated his versatility.
- Bicycle Kick: A spectacular move where a player kicks the ball backward over their head while airborne
Pelé's bicycle kick against Belgium in 1968 remains iconic.
- Scissor Kick: A mid-air strike with a scissor-like motion of the legs
Marco van Basten's scissor kick in the 1988 UEFA European Championship final is legendary.
- Volley: Striking the ball before it touches the ground
Wayne Rooney's volley against Manchester City in 2011 was an unforgettable moment.
Comprehension Questions
- Who scored a hat trick against Brazil in 2012?
- Who scored a perfect hat trick in a match against Getafe in 2013?
- Who successfully executed a bicycle kick in 1968?
- How does a scissor kick differ from a bicycle kick?
- Who scored a memorable volley for Manchester United in 2011?
Hat Trick
A hat trick occurs when a player scores three goals in a single match. One of the most famous hat tricks was scored by Lionel Messi against Brazil in 2012. Messi showcased his incredible skill by scoring three goals, including a stunning long-range effort that secured the victory for Argentina.
Perfect Hat Trick
A perfect hat trick is when a player scores three goals in one match using their left foot, right foot, and head. Cristiano Ronaldo achieved this feat during a match against Getafe in 2013, scoring all three goals within just ten minutes. His ability to score with different parts of his body highlighted his versatility as a forward.
Bicycle Kick
The bicycle kick is an acrobatic move where a player kicks the ball backward over their head while in mid-air. One of the most iconic examples of this technique was executed by Pelé during a match against Belgium in 1968. Pelé scored a stunning goal while facing away from the net, demonstrating both skill and athleticism.
Scissor Kick
Similar to the bicycle kick, the scissor kick involves a player striking the ball while airborne but with a different motion. The legs move in a scissor-like motion as the player connects with the ball. A famous example is Marco van Basten's goal in the 1988 UEFA European Championship final against the Soviet Union. His stunning scissor kick from an acute angle is often regarded as one of the greatest goals in football history.
Volley
A volley occurs when a player strikes the ball before it touches the ground. This technique requires precise timing and skill, as players aim to connect cleanly with the ball while it is in mid-air. A memorable volley was scored by Wayne Rooney for Manchester United against Manchester City in 2011, where he struck the ball from outside the box to score an incredible goal.
Half Volley
A half volley is similar but occurs when the ball is struck just after it bounces off the ground. This technique allows players to maintain control while delivering powerful shots. An example of a half volley can be seen in Steven Gerrard's goal against West Ham United in the 2006 FA Cup final, where he struck the ball perfectly after it bounced, leading to an unforgettable equalizer.
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Discussion questions
- Do you have any questions about any of the vocabulary or grammar in this article?
- Have you ever watched a match where a player scored a hat trick?
- Can you name any players who might be skilled enough to score a perfect hat trick?
- Have you ever seen a bicycle kick goal live?
- Which one do you think is more challenging to perform, a scissor kick or a bicycle kick?
- Do you think a volley or half volley requires more skill?
This article was written by Eddy
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