bicycle kick

American  

noun

1. an exercise performed by lying on one's back with the hips and legs in the air, supported by the hands, and moving the legs as if pedaling a bicycle.

2. Soccer. a dramatic kick made by a player throwing both feet in the air as a ball is approaching on the fly, while moving the legs with a pedaling motion to kick the ball in the opposite direction to which the player is facing, with the player usually ending up sprawled on the ground.

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Etymology

Origin of bicycle kick

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

It was only last year that a bicycle kick was scored during a blizzard in the CPL final between Atletico Ottawa and Cavalry FC.

From BBC • Mar. 31, 2026

Joao Palhinha's bicycle kick looked set to earn Frank a reprieve after first-half goals from Bournemouth duo Evanilson and Eli Junior Kroupi overturned Mathys Tel's early opener.

From Barron's • Jan. 7, 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years with a spectacular overhead bicycle kick for Saudi side Al Nassr in a 4-1 win.

From Barron's • Nov. 24, 2025

Lady Luck has been mentioned, but there was nothing fortunate about McTominay leaping the height of the Finnieston Crane to score an outrageous bicycle kick.

From BBC • Nov. 18, 2025

Luma moved Bien up the field, from defense to offense, and he quickly made an amazing bicycle kick over his head.

From "Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman's Quest to Make a Difference" by Warren St. John