Download FREE Kick Tracker PDF

A simple paper-based system to bring structure and clarity to field goal practice.

Why not use an app?

Nothing against mobile apps, I’m a technology fanatic, myself (a former application development IT nerd).

In fact, I’m in the process of developing a FREE mobile app based on this tracking sheet logic (the framework I teach in person) that I’ll test with my local students and then release when ready.

However, there are several reasons to consider using paper for your tracking while practicing kicks. Here are a few from my experience:

  • Many programs do not allow mobile phones on the practice field during the season.
  • Phones/tablets can overheat and shut off during hot practice sessions on turf. The can also shut off when cold enough.
  • It’s easier to ‘forget’ to kick your tracking session without a physical notebook by your side or on the field with your kicking bag.
  • It’s easier to see results on a nice big piece of paper, sun or no sun.
  • It’s easier to share your information with parents/coaches since phones are small and ‘private’ (many people don’t like handing a personal phone over for a coach to evaluate results as personal texts come in, etc).

To download your free Kick Tracker PDF, fill out the short form and I’ll send you a FREE download link via email.

Why an email link?

This paper tracker is Version 1, and it’s designed to grow — future updates will include optional QR-linked coaching videos so parents and kickers can clearly understand what the results mean and what to work on next.

Free Kick Tracker PDF Notebook Systems

How to Use the Tracker Sheet

I would recommend that you print 3-4 sheets for the week and three hold punch them into a plain three ring binder to keep track of your progress.

As you write down a few quick details for each kick and then review the chart key on the PDF in the bottom right corner of your sheet, you will begin to notice patterns with your kicking.

You are going to record from 10 to 20 kicks, you pick the distance and the hash, but I would recommend at least three kicks (left, center, right) for each general distance you are kicking (within 5 yards or so).

Track these items with each kick:

  • RESULT
    This one is simple. If the kick went through the posts, mark it ‘Good.’ If you missed the kick, mark it ‘No Good.’

  • LOCATION
    Be very specific about WHERE each kick goes (whether it’s good or not). A ‘No Good’ kick is going to be either ‘Left or Right’ obviously but let’s get more detailed for tracking purposes. Track a ‘Good’ kick as either down the middle third between the posts, more toward the left post (left third) or more toward the right post (right third). You want to get to know your kick tendencies to understand how you can improve over time!

  • ROTATION
    When properly struck, a football is going to rotate end over end. We call this ‘clean rotation’ and it’s the most efficient way for a football to travel for field goal attempts. Is your kick ‘clean’ or is it a ‘flutter’ ball? Knowing the difference can clue you in for corrections in both the way your foot is making contact as well as the position of your foot and extension on follow through so take note and keep track. You could even be losing distance on your kicks (kick offs too) if you aren’t achieving clean, end over end rotation with each and every kick.

  • FLIGHT PATH
    A ball can travel straight whether it goes through the middle of the posts or not. We can kick a ball straight left and miss, or straight right and miss. Many times when we miss our kicks inside (left for a right footed kicker or right for a left footed kicker), we are wrapping around the ball and creating a hook. Sometimes it’s a push (or fade) so know the difference!

  • MISS DETAILS
    Count each of the 4 columns and fill in the boxes. We want to focus on these miss details so we can address the problem areas over time!

FGK Kick Tracker Sample