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

Watch Dynamo Dresden's Luca Herrmann score a stunning bicycle kick in the 10th minute of stoppage time to secure a 2-1 win over Arminia Bielefeld in the 2.

From BBC

He has hit the ground running in 2025-26, though it was time spent off the ground that was most impressive about his opening day against Burnley - scoring a superb bicycle kick, one of two goals he netted on Saturday.

From BBC

In Europa League qualifying, they took Midtjylland to extra-time, only to lose with an agonising - and spectacular - Junior Brumado bicycle kick.

From BBC

While to many he 'arrived' with his brilliant bicycle kick at Everton in November 2023, he actually made his debut in April 2022.

From BBC

The Puskas Award for the best men's goal of the year was won by Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho for his sensational bicycle kick in their 3-0 win at Everton in November 2023.

From BBC