The bicycle kick is one of the most spectacular goals in association football. It requires a combination of skill, athleticism, and control to execute successfully. Goals scored using this technique often thrill spectators and are a key element of the excitement found in beach soccer and other variants of association football.
Labourers from the Pacific seaports likely first performed bicycle kicks in association football matches as early as the late 19th century. However, it is widely credited to Brazilian footballers Leonidas and Pele for popularizing the advanced technique. The bicycle kick has gained a global allure as a sporty, elegant, and eloquent way to score a goal in association football matches. The maneuver has also garnered attention in works of art, films, advertisements, and literature.
Bicycle kicks are a type of “protected action” in association football, meaning that the attacking player cannot be challenged by defenders until they have complete control of the ball. This gives players time and space to prepare their shot. However, it’s sometimes necessary for a player to take more than one touch to tee up their bicycle kick.
The most difficult aspect of scoring a bicycle kick is the timing of the strike. In the game, players can perform this type of shot by pressing L2/LT and shoot when the ball is in the air above their head. It is important to note that this type of strike is extremely dangerous. A simple mistake can result in an injury. Injuries can range from a twisted ankle to even a broken leg, depending on the height at which the ball is kicked.