The Hook Kick

Key Points

Hold the ball firmly with both hands.
Head down, eyes on the ball.
Point the shoulder towards the target.
Step forward with the non-kicking foot.
Release the ball into the hand at the kicking side and extend the opposite arm away from the body to aid balance.
Extend the wrist and drop the ball onto the kicking foot.
Kickthe ball with the inside of the foot.
Follow through with the kicking leg across the body in the direction of the target, with the toe pointing upwards.

Practice the Technique

Drill 1 – Basic – Hook Kick to Partner

Divide the group into pairs, one ball per pair.
Mark out channel 5 metres wide and 15m long for each pair.
Each player in turn, hook kicks the ball to their partner.
It may be necessary to group the players on the basis of ability.
To increase the difficulty of the drill, increase the distance the players are required to kick the ball.
Repeat the drill getting the players to use the opposite leg.

Drill 2 – Intermediate – Triangle Kick

Place 3 cones 20m from each other to form a triangle.
Divide the players into pairs, one ball per group.
The drill can be adapted to practice kicking the ball in three different situations.
First, the player in possession hook kicks the ball on the run while moving along a length of the triangle.
Their partner remains at the far corner of the triangle in a stationary position.
In the second adaptation of the drill, the player hook kicks the ball from a stationary position to their partner who is moving along the far length of the triangle.
The kicking player must judge the weight of the kick to allow their partner to catch the ball on the run.
Finally, in the third adaptation, the player in possession hook kicks the ball on the run to their partner who is also moving.
For each adaptation, change the direction of the movement after a set time and get the players to kick with the opposite leg.

Drill 3 – Intermediate - Going for a Score

Place 2 cones 6 to 8 meters apart 30 m from goal.
All the players except one begin behind the goal.
Position the other player at a cone 20 meters from goal to one side.
The first player behind the goal solos towards the cone and fist passes to the waiting player, taking over their position.
That player then solos to round the nearest 30m cone and hook kicks for a point.
The next player behind the goal repeats the drill.
Continue the drill for a set time and repeat from the opposite side.
Change sides to encourage left and right foot kicking.

Develop the Technique

Fun Game 1 - Into the Circle

Place 4 cones in a 10m square formation.
Inside the 10m mark out a circle.
Mark out a line of cones 15m, 20m and 25m to either side of the grid.
Divide the players into two groups, one group at either side.
Beginning at one side and behind the 15 metre line, the players attempt to land the ball in the square or circle
Award 1 point for every kick that lands in the square and 3 points for every kick that lands in the circle.
Progress the drill by moving the players back behind the 20m lines and the 25m lines as they become more proficient.