Always watch the ball. All enemies in your path will be dealt with as long as your kicks are timed correctly. It is better to kick the ball earlier than later. The ball can be kicked before it touches the targeting reticule and it will still be considered a hit. However, if the ball gets slightly past the reticule it will be counted as a miss and your run will end. Depending on how hard you kick and how close enemies are, the ball can ricochet back. Be prepared for this to happen.