Placekick Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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placekick
[pleɪs.kɪk ]
Definition
sports
A placekick is a method of restarting play in certain team sports, particularly in football (soccer) and American football. In football, a placekick is taken from a stationary ball that is supported by a tee or placed on the ground. It is typically used for penalty kicks, corner kicks, and direct free kicks. The primary purpose of a placekick is to allow a player to shoot the ball towards the goal or to pass it to a teammate. This technique requires precision and skill and is often practiced extensively by players.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He scored the winning goal with a brilliant placekick.
- The team was awarded a placekick after the foul.
- She practiced her placekick to improve her accuracy.
- The placekick from outside the box was spectacular.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Sports History
- Placekicks became official in football rules in the late 19th century, evolving from earlier forms of kicking where players would drop the ball.
- The introduction of the tee in placekicking during the 1970s made it easier and more consistent to perform kicks in American football.
Technique
- A successful placekick relies on proper footing and angle; kickers often practice extensively to achieve accuracy and power.
- Some famous athletes are known for their exceptional placekicking skills, contributing significantly to their teams' successes.
Pop Culture
- Placekicks have featured in numerous films and documentaries, showcasing the tension and excitement of crucial game moments.
- In the video game 'Madden NFL,' mastering placekicking is essential for gamers aiming to simulate real-game dynamics.
Science of Kicking
- Physics plays a vital role in placekicking; the angle and velocity at which the ball is kicked influence how far it travels.
- Biomechanics studies have shown that the position of the foot and body alignment significantly impacts kick performance.
Origin of 'placekick'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'placekick' originated from the combination of 'place,' meaning to set something down, and 'kick,' the action of striking the ball.
- The term has been used since the early 1900s, with early descriptions of the kick appearing in football rule books.
The term 'placekick' originated in the early 20th century and is a compound of the words 'place' and 'kick'. The word 'place' in this context refers to putting the ball in a fixed position, either on a tee or on the ground, while 'kick' denotes the action of striking the ball with the foot. The practice of placekicking has its roots in early forms of football, evolving as the rules of the game became standardized. The term has been used widely in both American and association football, reflecting the importance of this skill in scoring goals and executing set pieces. Over the years, placekicking has seen various techniques and strategies develop, influenced by changes in the game's rules and the athleticism of players.