Useful thread guys, had spent hours pummelling different button combinations in a vain attempt to jump for kick-offs.

Having observed the procedure followed by the AI players, it seems that the ideal spot to position your man is towards the front of the cross that marks where the ball will land before holding down the X button (PS2 version) - I've managed to take at least one or two catches per game since discovering this (as opposed to none before).

Even so, it doesn't seem to be possible to perfom a jump 100% of the time, and trying to get into position to leap for your own side's kickoffs or up-and-unders is another matter completley - anyone managed it yet?