"Knuckleball " is a kick that causes the ball to float in the air without turning. The spin will provide stability to the ball when it moves. Therefore, without spin the ball will snake through the air and change direction suddenly making it difficult for the goalkeeper to anticipate. A good knuckleball is centered on follow through moves, and with lots of practice, you can kick the ball like Gareth Bale or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Kick the Knuckleball Perfectly
Step 1. Use a fully sized and filled ball
It's a good idea to have a nice, firm ball, and a standard size. Kicking a knuckleball requires you to shoot steadily near the center of the ball and counter the follow-up motion of the kick. A small, deflated ball is easier to kick on the side and stays in the foot longer, causing the ball to spin.
- Perfecting this technique takes a lot of practice. Therefore, have 5-10 balls to line up during practice.
- The brand of the ball doesn't matter, as long as it's a standard size and filled to the brim.
Step 2. Place the ball about 10 meters from the goal
Use the goal so that you have a target shot. Don't worry too much about the direction of the shot because your focus right now is on the movement of the shot. As long as the ball enters the goal, the accuracy of the shot can be honed later.
Step 3. Set up your normal free-kick run-up
If you normally take four steps back and move left two steps before taking a free kick, do the same in this exercise. The difference is, you are required to stand straight and maintain balance at the base of the toes of both feet. When kicking the ball, the chest should be kept as straight as possible. Therefore, it is better to straighten the chest before starting the shot.
Watch how knuckleball experts like Christiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale stand before the free kick. They stood tall, their chests almost puffed out
Step 4. Approach the ball like a regular free kick shoot with shoelaces
Keep the torso up. Other than that, everything is the same as a normal free kick. The ball is kicked with shoelaces to maximize power and prevent ball spin.
Step 5. Place the pedestal next to the ball, about 15 cm apart
After a run-up, it's a good idea to keep your non-kicking foot as close to the ball as possible. Your instep should be in the center of the ball. The tips of the toes must point the direction of the ball shot.
Step 6. Kick the ball with the shoelaces, just below the center of the ball
The ball must be kicked as close to the center as possible. Kick slightly below the center of the ball if you want to bounce the ball into the air (for example, to cross a posse).
- Keep both ankles firmly locked. A wobbly wrist will result in the ball spinning.
- Preferably, the tip of the kicker's toes is pointed down. You will "pound" the ball with the top of the shoelace.
Step 7. Stop the follow-up kick when it hits the ball
This is the key to a good knuckleball kick, and the hardest part to master. Don't make further moves on the ball more than the momentum generates. As soon as you touch the ball, stop swinging your legs. You'll feel your shins continuing to kick, but all above the knee doesn't move. Some players find it easier to kick a knuckleball if they jump with the foot of the ball just after the kicker's foot touches the ball. Land the kicker's foot first where the ball was previously.
- This is why the torso must be kept elevated, straight and balanced. This posture keeps the momentum straight so you can shoot without adding to the spin of the ball.
- A good kick feels like slapping a ball. Pulling the kick leg takes a lot of work, but the hardest part is making sure the foot is pulled exactly after touch the ball.
Method 2 of 2: Troubleshooting
Step 1. Practice the hop step without the ball
While not all knuckleball kickers do the hop step, this method is very helpful in preventing the ball from spinning, especially during free kicks. Think of it like a scissor kick. If you are kicking with your right foot, approach the ball with your left foot and place it next to the ball. When your right foot lands, pull your left foot up backwards, while keeping your torso balanced. Then, kick the ball and land with your right foot where your left foot was before. You'll look like you're running in place, or snapping your legs past each other like broken scissors.
Step 2. Don't worry about kicking power until you can kick without causing the ball to spin
Most people who practice knuckleball kicks immediately try to shoot like a pro. This will complicate the practice. Instead, start with a 1-step run-up, only 9-18 meters from the goal. Practice your footwork and counter the follow-up kicks. The ball may not roll in too much of a twist at this speed, but you'll know if it's spinning or not. If you can kick the ball without causing spin, feel free to move on to practice kicking at full power.
Step 3. Keep your body tight, firm, and strong
Your kicks should be as efficient as possible. The support leg and torso should be as comfortable as possible, with the ankles and knees locked. Your run-up should be calm and tidy, without a lot of twisting, movement, or adjustment. The kicking leg must be strong from the thigh (quad) to the ankle, with no wasted movement. Imagine a straight line, because any pointless curve or sideways movement will cause you to kick the ball from the side and cause the ball to spin.
Step 4. Rotate your foot slightly outward so that it kicks with the bone inside the top of the foot for added strength
The bone between the laces and the instep is the toughest area of the foot. You can feel it with your hands, this bone extends from the ankle to the big toe. If you're good at basic kicks, practice kicking the ball with this hard bone and make sure your kick is straight so it hits the center of the ball.
Step 5. Practice daily and increase the challenge as you become proficient
Although it seems very easy, Gareth Bale admits it took years to perfect this kick. He suggests kicking over an open net, then adding a mannequin or wall in front of you. Finally, add a goalkeeper to practice accuracy. Most importantly, practice every day and focus on perfecting your technique so that it comes naturally.
Tips
- Recent research suggests that the ball swerves due to changes in pressure and wind drag, not due to a defective ball or incorrect kicking motion.
- This kick will move down, but not because of a lack of power so that it is more difficult for the goalkeeper to parry.
- You can kick straight or bend your leg slightly to the side.
- This shot is difficult to make accurate because you can't control it.
- If you can kick it hard enough, the shot can turn up or down.
- Prioritize technique, not strength. Excess power increases the chance of error.
- Try to keep your body parallel to the ball when running.
- Kicking the ball as hard as possible will help because it turns the energy into negative energy. This is why you should kick as hard as you can at first. That way, the ball will get high energy, but move erratically.
Warning
- Kick the ball in the valve (the hole to get air into the ball) which will increase the power of the shot and help with the knuckleball kick.
- Follow through with a straight kick, keeping your feet perpendicular to the ground.
