using the foot question

[blindzebra]

Originally posted by coachgbert
A coach question, can someone explain what "intentionally" striking it with leg or foot means please? I have been in games lately where that is called a lot, especially if the offense makes a bad pass and it deflects off the thigh, knee or shin of a defensive player. The ref will call a kicked ball and it returns to the offense. Seems like it is a bad pass to me and the defense is penalized for getting in the way.

I still can't seem to get a handle on how and when this is called. Any explanation would be appreciated so I can teach it correctly to my girls.

thanks,
Coach Gbert

Moving your leg in the path of the ball with the intention of keeping it from going where it's headed.

If the bad pass hits your player's leg it is not a kicked ball.

If this bad pass is struck by your player's leg it IS a kicked ball.

The key word in the rule is INTENTIONALLY.

It is not a kicked ball if:

1. The ball hits you.

2. You dribble it off your leg.

3. The ball is knocked into your leg.

4. The ball is loose and the player is doing the old Charlie Chaplin...or was it Buster Keaton?...bend over, reach and accidentally kick it trick.