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

Cologne took the lead thanks to an incredible bicycle kick from Ragnar Ache but Hoffenheim hit back either side of the break to take the lead thanks to goals from Ozan Kabak and Andrej Kramaric.

From Barron's • Feb. 21, 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

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.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2025

It's being coined the "icicle kick" - the stunning bicycle kick that lit up the Canadian Premier League final.

From BBC • Nov. 10, 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