When did overhead kicks become free throw line dunks?
Julius Erving taking off from the free throw line and dunking was a big deal. When Michael Jordan replicated the feat, it was awesome, but when every NBA slam dunk contest started featuring multiple free throw line dunks, the practice became painful. Yes, you can jump a long way, and as much we’d like to hold up our little “10" signs, we’ve seen it before.
Remarkably, the same feeling is starting to settle in with overhead kicks. As difficult as they are, we’ve seen a few lately. Our amazement may be spent.
Last week we had Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s bicycle to kill all bicycles, a goal some proclaimed the best ever (tune in next year for another best goal ever). When Philippe Mexes looped his own bicycle kick into Anderlecht’s goal in mid-week Champions League action, we broke out the requisite amount of awe and admiration.
But for today’s goal from Bayern Munich’s Javi Martínez? Well, judge for yourself. Here’s the midfielder’s opener today against Hannover:
Fine goal, no doubt. If we weren’t still in the shadow of Zlatan’s goal, I could probably table the cynicism and be a little less snide. But in the wake of Mexes’ goal, this one’s practically passé, even if it’s the Spaniard’s first for Bayern.
When did overhead kicks become free throw line dunks? Last Wednesday, it seems.
