Toe Poke Magic: Mastering Soccer’s Sneaky Kick

A toe poke is a soccer kick where players use the end of their cleat to quickly redirect or strike the ball—something every player should have in their back pocket.

When Should I Use a Toe Poke?

You should use a toe poke sparingly. What’s the downside? You’ll find the answers below.

Here’s when you should use it:

Goal-Scoring Surprise

• Close-range shots that catch defenders off guard
• Quick, unexpected strikes

Tight Space Escapes

• Quick passes in crowded areas
• Minimal backswing of the leg is required

Defensive Dodging

• One-on-one tricks to slip past defenders
• Lightning-fast movement

Tricky Terrain Tactics

• Control on unpredictable surfaces
• Precise touches when traditional techniques fail

Toe Poke Caution (Learned from Personal Mistakes):

• Accuracy Challenges: Your aim can get wild
• Injury Risk: Your leg could get quickly kicked
• Power Limitations: Don’t expect a rocket shot

How To Do a Toe Poke

This is a helpful video to show you how to do a toe poke:

Pro Tip: Futsal players, this move’s your best friend! I wish I’d known this earlier in my playing days.

Remember: Toe pokes are your secret weapon, not your primary strategy.