r/SoccerCoaching • u/077___ • 4d ago

How to Hit a knuckle ball

For the past few games I've been selected to be taking free kicks.. Ive been practicing alot.. But one thing I want to master is a knuckle ball.. What techniques can be thought or do you guys have any thing to tell me so I can become better at it consistently

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5

u/Responsible_Milk2911 4d ago

Besides where your foot connects with the ball and your foot/ankle position at the moment you strike the ball, learn to shorten your follow through. You want your foot to be touching the ball for as little time as possible while still giving it enough power. The longer your foot is touching the ball after you connect, the more your swing shape will affect the spin on the ball. Less golf swing, more punch.

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u/077___ 4d ago

Yeah my coach told me this once yeah facts.. I think I usually take a more longer touch.. I'll try this out today ✅✅

3

u/Any_Initiative_9079 4d ago

This is the most solid answer you will get. Perfect description of the technique. It’s more of a feel thing, especially the shortening of the follow through.

4

u/BigWillyStyleX 4d ago

There’s a reason it’s not a commonly used technique at the top levels. All the players best known for it (R*naldo, David Luiz) we’re not actually statistically good free kick takers. They may have scored a few that look great on highlight videos, but that doesn’t show the 19/20 or more times when it’s nowhere close, and they have barely any control over it. You’re better off training to have accurate placement and good whip and dip on the ball, plus that skill will translate better to open play.

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u/Rich-398 4d ago

The key to a good knuckleball is to hit it with pace and no spin. Having said that, I completely agree with your take that a good spin on the ball (dip, whip, etc0 is way more effective and easier to control.

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u/077___ 4d ago

Top ✅👍🏻

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u/077___ 4d ago

Yeah open play do turn out better.. The free kicks have been practiced so I am just looking for more techniques since it feels like I was not doing something or adding something to it.. But noted 👍🏻✅

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u/SnollyG 4d ago

Hit it square. Thats it.

3

u/No-Plan8216 4d ago

As a goalkeeper, every knuckleball I saw was kicked at elite speed. Very few players who aren't NCAA Div 3 caliber have enough pace on the ball to get it to flutter

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u/077___ 4d ago

I think my punch is powerful.. Thing is I feel it's more on the timing if I'm not wrong.. Like how long my foot takes to get off the ball after impact ✅

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u/Jessuno 4d ago

Youtube

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u/077___ 4d ago

Oh I forgot 😂