scissors kick

noun

, Swimming.

1. a propelling motion of the legs in which they move somewhat like the blades of a pair of scissors, used in the sidestroke.

scissors kick

noun

1. a type of swimming kick used esp in the sidestroke, in which one leg is moved forward and the other bent back and they are then brought together again in a scissor-like action
2. football a kick in which the player leaps into the air raising one leg and brings up his other leg to kick the ball

Word History and Origins

Origin of scissors kick¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Lukebakio went close with a scissors kick in the second half but neither side could force a winner.

From Seattle Times

He also became a master of the overhead, or scissors kick, often scoring when he had his back to goal.

From Washington Post

Since the first modern Olympics, high jumpers had employed techniques from a standing jump to a scissors kick to straddle to a roll — all of them feet first.

From Washington Times

A game that had been meandering along amid much mediocrity came to life on the stroke of halftime when Can's extraordinary overhead scissors kick from Lucas's chipped through ball rocketed into the top corner.

From Reuters

After half-time Messi was inches away from his 500th career goal with a scissors kick before Neymar hit the far post and then sent a shot whistling just wide.

From The Guardian