The “grasscutter” is an aptly named kick in soccer. It is a strong pass or shot that causes the ball to glide on or just above the field’s surface. If the ball had blades, it would essentially cut the grass.
Like most soccer skills, a grasscutter takes time and dedication to perfect.
Here, we’ll dive further into how to perform a grasscutter whether you’re free for a shot on goal or passing the ball down the field.
Table of Contents
How to Kick a Grasscutter
The steps to performing a grasscutter are simple, but perfecting the technique requires the most focus. Practice these steps with a soccer goal in front or while passing to a friend to ensure you’re ready to use the grasscutter during game time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ball
A grasscutter is a kick that takes place in motion. Touch the ball a short distance in front of you, so you can take at least one or two strides to prepare for the kick.
The goal is to lunge into the kick for maximum power. Strong players can perform the grasscutter with just one or two strides before the kick.
The approach to the ball is one of the most important steps to perfect for ultimate accuracy.
Step 2: Plant Your Foot
Plant the non-kicking foot firmly next to the ball and point it directly at the target. The ankle bone aligns with the ball’s center, and the toes must point directly at the target. Slightly bend the knee of the non-kicking leg.
The power and angle of the grasscutter will put you slightly off balance, so the planted leg plays a critical role in stability. Keep the arm opposite the kicking leg in the air and out to maintain balance.
Step 3: Prep Your Strike
Gain momentum for your kick with a strong backswing. Bring the foot behind you to hip level for a longer swing and superior power, especially when taking a shot on goal. More backswing equals more power.
Using a grasscutter to pass the ball requires less backswing because you need less power.
Step 4: Make Contact With the Ball
You want to kick the ball directly in the middle for it to skim just on or above the surface of the grass. Hitting too high will cause the ball to make too much contact with the ground, and hitting it too low will push it up into the air.
Strike the ball between the laces and the inside of the foot. Lock the ankle and point the toes down and out to the side to make firm contact.
This striking technique is called “hitting into the floor,” and it’s essential for achieving power and backspin. Lean over the ball to keep the shot low.
Step 5: The Follow-Through
Stop the follow-through short after making contact with the ball and step to the side with the kicking foot. It is known as a “snap follow-through,” and it contributes to the power and backspin that makes the grasscutter so effective.
The goal of a grasscutter kick is to combine power and accuracy:
Step 6: Repeat
The grasscutter requires a perfect combination of strength and backspin to stay powerful and low to the ground. You’ll need to run through the steps above numerous times before getting the hang of how the shot or pass feels when performed correctly.
A Little More About the Grasscutter
The grasscutter is known as a risky pass because it requires a lot of power and accuracy. Poor technique can easily put the ball in the opposing team’s possession.
Timing is a critical element when using the grasscutter for a pass in a game setting. The only way to perfect timing is through performing game-like situations during practice or with friends.
The grasscutter is an incredibly useful kick to have in your bag of tricks, and performing it correctly can help lead your team to success.