bicycle kick

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bicycle kick¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

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

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It was Ronaldo's 954th career goal and was reminiscent of his bicycle kick for Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-final against Juventus in 2018.

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As well as fan reactions, video edits of the goals, particularly McTominay's bicycle kick, have been widely shared on social media sites, including X as well as Instagram and TikTok.

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One of the videos removed showed a packed pub in Inverurie erupt when Scott McTominay scored with an overhead bicycle kick three minutes into the game.

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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.

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