Wedge kicks are a popular move in soccer where a player kicks the ball using the bottom of their foot to get it to lift and move in a wedge-like trajectory. The spelling of this word follows the pronunciation, with "wedge" pronounced as /wɛdʒ/ and "kicks" as /kɪks/. The use of the consonant cluster "dg" in "wedge" and the hard "k" sound in "kicks" help to convey the force and impact of the move, which is often used to lift the ball over defenders and into the goal.
Wedge kicks are a term primarily used in sports, specifically referring to a kicking technique employed in various disciplines such as soccer, American football, rugby, and Australian rules football. A wedge kick typically involves striking the ball with the inside or outside area of the foot, producing a high, spinning trajectory.
In soccer, a wedge kick is executed by making contact with the middle to lower part of the ball using the inside or outside of the foot, allowing the ball to gain altitude and create a potential goal-scoring opportunity or deliver an accurate pass. It is often used in situations requiring a high, looping ball with a lot of height and precision.
Similarly, in American football, rugby, and Australian rules football, wedge kicks are utilized when players want to punt or drop the ball in a way that generates significant height and distance. By employing the wedge kick technique, the ball can be launched towards a desired target area or specific player on the field.
The term "wedge" refers to the shape that the ball takes when it is struck with this technique, resembling a wedge. The main objective of a wedge kick is to provide maximum accuracy and control over the ball's path, often ensuring it reaches a specific area on the field. This technique requires a certain level of skill and proper timing, as the wrong execution of a wedge kick can result in loss of possession or opportunities for the opposing team.
The term "wedge kicks" does not seem to have a specific etymology. It appears to be a combination of two separate words, "wedge" and "kicks", which have independent origins.
"Wedge" comes from the Old English word "wecg", meaning "a piece of wood or metal with a pointed end". It gradually evolved over time, and the term "wedge" began to be used in various contexts to describe objects or actions with a similar shape or function.
"Kicks" is derived from the verb "kick". The word "kick" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "kikna", meaning "to bend backward". Over the centuries, the term evolved to primarily refer to a swift striking or thrusting motion with the foot or leg.