Scorpion Kick: Secrets Behind Football's Craziest Shot

The scorpion kick is widely regarded as the most spectacular and athletic trick shot in football history. When Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud executed his breathtaking version in 2017, it captured the global sports spotlight overnight. But how did this gravity-defying maneuver transition from an outrageous goalkeeper stunt into a Puskas Award-winning goal?

The Origin of the Scorpion Kick: Higuita's Wembley Wonder

In September 1995, Colombian goalkeeper Rene Higuita shocked the sporting world at Wembley Stadium. During an otherwise dull friendly match against England, midfielder Jamie Redknapp launched a misplaced cross sailing toward the Colombian goal.

Rather than catching the ball cleanly, Higuita did the unthinkable. He dived forward, arched his back like a scorpion's tail, and cleared the ball using both of his heels. This spectacular display popularized the reverse bicycle kick and forever cemented Higuita's status as a footballing maverick.

Olivier Giroud's Puskas Award-Winning Masterpiece

On New Year's Day in 2017, French forward Olivier Giroud elevated this rare trick into an offensive weapon. During a Premier League match against Crystal Palace, Alexis Sanchez delivered a cross that drifted slightly behind Giroud's run.

Using instant reflexes, Giroud threw his upper body forward and struck the ball cleanly with his left heel. The ball flew over his own head, bounced off the underside of the crossbar, and went into the net. This jaw-dropping moment won the prestigious 2017 FIFA Puskas Award for the best goal of the year.

How to Perform a Scorpion Kick Safely

Executing this acrobatic skill requires a combination of perfect timing, hamstring flexibility, and core strength. Below is a safe, step-by-step guide to practice the technique:

Build Spatial Awareness: Start on a soft surface by practicing forward rolls and basic cartwheels to get comfortable throwing your body forward.
The Hand-Supported Flick: Leap forward onto your hands while pushing your legs back and up, flicking your heels to make contact with a stationary ball.
Partner Assistance: Once comfortable, have a teammate throw soft passes slightly behind you so you can practice timing the heel connection without looking.

Safety Warning: Never attempt this on hard turf without professional coaching, as landing incorrectly can cause severe back or wrist injuries.

The Most Famous Acrobatic Volleys in History

While Giroud's goal remains the gold standard, other legendary players have successfully executed this breathtaking finish:

Henrikh Mkhitaryan: Just weeks before Giroud's goal, the Manchester United midfielder scored an iconic, diving version against Sunderland on Boxing Day in 2016.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Known for his Taekwondo background, the Swedish legend scored a spectacular mid-air back-heel volley for Paris Saint-Germain against Bastia in 2013.
Rafael van der Vaart: The Dutch playmaker scored a legendary, instinctive volley for Ajax against rivals Feyenoord in 2003.

Whether executed as a defensive clearance or an offensive volley, the scorpion kick remains one of the ultimate spectacles in modern sports. It serves as a beautiful reminder that football is not just about tactical organization—it is also a canvas for pure, unadulterated artistic expression.