How to Shoot a Knuckleball in Soccer?

The knuckleball, also known as the “floating ball”, in soccer is one of the most challenging types of shots a player can master.

Why is the knuckleball so effective in soccer? It is unpredictable for a goalie. We’ll explain the science below.

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Key Takeaways From This Article:

• A knuckleball shot is effective because the trajectory is unpredictable.
• Striking the ball at the center part of it will help avoid any spins.
• This is an advanced shot and you will need hours of repetition. Even then, it is a hard move to execute in a game.

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The key to an effective knuckleball shot is to practice intentionally! The greats like Cristiano Ronaldo, whom many consider the king of the knuckleball shot in soccer, manage to mess up sometimes.

If you happen to work on it and execute it perfectly, the knuckleball will seem to suddenly dip while in mid-air. This makes it unpredictable for goalkeepers to stop.

Now, you might be thinking that if even the pros have a difficult time executing the knuckleball in soccer, “How could I do it?” This is what the article is all about.

What is a Knuckleball in Soccer?

First things first, what is a knuckleball in soccer? Similarly to baseball, soccer also has its own version of the knuckleball. In soccer, a knuckleball is a ball that is kicked and followed by an unpredictable, zigzagging trajectory.

The soccer ball doesn’t have much of a rotation – if any at all – which causes it to dip or go left to right in an instant.

This unpredictability makes the knuckleball shot one of the most difficult to defend against.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Shoot a Knuckleball

Before we start, it is recommended that you use an official soccer ball for practicing this type of shot.

Unlike rubber soccer balls, official balls can provide you with more consistent results, which means you will more likely be able to replicate the knuckleball during a game.

Step 1) Run up to the ball

It is recommended to start your run-up at around 4 to 6 steps away, and a step slightly to the left or right of the ball depending on which foot you will be using to shoot.

You can also do what Cristiano Ronaldo does. Run up to the ball slightly on your toes so you can prepare yourself to connect with it.

Step 2) Position your supporting foot

Practice until you can naturally position your supporting foot at around six inches to the side of the ball where you will be kicking it.

You will need to practice this step quite a lot until you can do it without thinking.

The steps mentioned are just guidelines. You don’t want to overthink these steps. It’s better to approach the ball as naturally as possible.

Step 3) Strike the center of the ball

This is the most important step. In order to effectively shoot a knuckleball, the ball cannot have rotation.

To accomplish this, practice until you can effectively hit the ball just below the center point. To help you practice, face the valve of the ball towards you so you can see where you need to hit the ball.

Also, make sure that you contact the ball with your instep or laces. You need to lock your ankle just before the point of contact to prevent getting injured.

Step 4) Establish proper body posture

If you lean back too far, there is a high probability that the ball will rise more than you want. If you lean too forward, you may trip over the ball. Try to find a happy medium.

Ensure that you have a strong posture but lean slightly forward over the ball as you approach to kick the ball.

This will give you more control over the distance and trajectory you want the ball to travel. An effective knuckleball shot in soccer should be more of a line drive than a floater.

Step 5) Perfect the follow-through

If you want to successfully pull off this shot, you should perfect the follow-through.

Right after hitting the ball, continue moving your body in the same direction as the ball. This will impart the momentum of your body weight into the ball.

The History of the Knuckleball

According to the official records, the earliest known use of the knuckleball shot was way back in the 50s and can be attributed to legendary professional Brazilian player, Didi (Waldyr Pereira).

However, his version of the knuckleball was quite different mainly because of the way soccer balls were made back then.

The modern knuckleball gained popularity back in 2006 when Adidas changed the way they manufactured their soccer balls.

The new balls used fewer panels and added more surface dimples that made them more aerodynamic.

During that time, Juninho Pernambucano, a professional free-kick expert, became the first pro player to do modern knuckleball as described in the next section.

He put it to effective use regularly in Ligue 1 during his prime years playing professionally.

Today, you will see players intentionally shoot a knuckleball to throw off the defenders and goalie. In slow motion, the work is a ball of art!

Final Thoughts on Shooting

As you can see, the steps are quite simple on the web but the knuckleball shot is difficult to master.

You will need to practice it as often as you can without getting too frustrated. The reality is, when you first try it there will be times when the ball rotates, your foot hits the ground first or you lean back too much. The key is to stick with it until you get momentum. From here, it’s the little tweaks that will make the biggest impact.

The knuckleball in soccer has become a popular technique for free kicks, as the unpredictable movement of the ball can make it difficult for the goalkeeper to quickly evaluate.

In today’s game, the knuckleball remains an effective type of shot that is difficult for keepers to anticipate.

Frequently Asked Questions