How to Shoot the 'Knuckle Shot' in Soccer

One of the most dangerous shots in soccer, the ‘knuckle shot’ is almost impossible to control. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. A goalkeeper will have even less of an idea where this fluttering and diving shot is going than you do, and if you can master the technique of the ‘knuckle shot,’ the goals will pour in. The key to this shot is timing, concentration and foot placement. (This is written from a right-footed perspective. If you are left-footed, simply reverse the directions.)

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Approach the ball from directly behind. A bouncing ball will ‘knuckle’ more, but there is a better chance of blowing it over the crossbar. A ball rolling along the ground won’t have as much ‘knuckle,’ but is an easier shot to take.

2. Plant your left foot approximately 9 inches behind the ball (in the 8 o’clock position)

3. Shoot the ball with your right foot, making sure to strike with the laces of your shoes, your toes pointing down.

4. Keep your knee over the ball throughout the strike! This is especially important if the ball is bouncing. In the case of a bouncing ball, you’ll want to strike it on its downward path, about 6 inches above the ground. The force of the ball falling and the force of your foot rising gives the ball its extra ‘knuckle.’

5. Follow through in a straight line. The ball will go in the direction of your follow-through.

6. Hop. This will feel awkward at first, but it is one of the keys to the shot. As your right leg follows through, you will want to sort of ‘hop’ with your left foot, landing on your right. Imagine that your right foot has followed through so hard that it is bringing your left along with it.

7. Watch the ball swerve, dip, shake and score.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice in different scenarios: rolling towards you, rolling away from you, stationary, bouncing. Learn how the ball tends to react in each situation.
• More important that brute power is placement and timing. Take it slow at first to make sure you have the technique down, then begin to speed the process until you are going at a match pace.
• Learn to shoot with both feet. It will make you a much more versatile and dangerous player.