The Physics of a Kick

[,4lex S.]

CD,

I have been thinking about how a team might model the mechanics of kicking a ball using highschool physics (or physics that could be taught quickly to FIRST students). If you want to take a shot at this problem on your own DO NOT CONTINUE READING POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT. All I can come up with is the following:

1) Using Conservation of Energy, determine speed of kicker on contact with ball. (Given the likely use of rotating components, Kinetic rotational energy must be understood)
2) Using Conservation of Angular Momentum, determine the velocity* of the ball at the end of the collision. (Angular Momentum must be understood)
*One problem I notice is accounting for the end velocity of the kicker (Would this be treated as some form of elastic collision?)
3) Using Projectile Motion, figure out the characteristics of the balls flight.

This is definitely outside the bounds of the Ontario Grade 12 Physics Cirriculum, so my question is: can you come up with an easier model? I can also see some interesting other effects going on related to conservation of energy after the ball is released. This is a true test for young aspiring engineers to grapple with, so have fun!