What is the meaning of the verb to ‘toe poke’ in football?

* Find out more about this phrase by reading the transcript below.

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Toe Poke

This week’s English for football  phrase is the verb ‘to toe-poke’. This verb describes a kind of shot, or less often a pass. The ball is hit hard with the end of the boot, with the toes. Shooting like this gives a lot of power and the ball travels straight. Players often toe-poke the ball when they have to shoot quickly. It is a direct way to hit the ball and can be very accurate. The phrase is also sometimes used as a noun, a toe-poke.

* Example: Divock Origi offered the Kop hope three minutes after the restart as he toe-poked the ball through the keeper’s legs to make it 2-1 on the night. (theweek.co.uk)

* Example:anolo Gabbiadini toe-poked Hamsik’s long ball from midfield just over on the volley. (thenational.ae)

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