Q&A for How to Knuckle a Soccer Ball

No, because you will curve the ball.

Keep practicing! Work towards 50 kicks a day.

Lucky you! Remember how it felt and visualize that as you continue to practice daily.

Of course! As long as you put in the time and effort. If you slack off or don't practice, that won't do you any good. Make sure to ask for tips and tricks from your coach as well.

It is an advanced technique. It has no spin and can easily change direction

It depends on how much time you spend working on it. Experienced players can learn how to knuckle a soccer ball in about 8 months to a year

Yes, however, it is harder because your foot top is not as flat as your shoes so it makes it easier to accidently curve.

Don't shoot with your toes, if that's what you currently do. First, I suggest you try a simple straight rolling pass on the ground. A pass is done with the "inside" of the foot. (Turn your foot outwards the moment you are about to pass the ball, hitting it with inside of your foot.) Then, to shoot hard, place one foot next to the ball and swing your other foot to hit the ball with the frontside of your shoe. Kicking the ball from the correct angle will help reduce spinning.

Probably not, as there is not enough distance to judge the quality of the shot.

Lace-less boots are better because they make you feel like you have no foot gear on, and you don't have to tie it. Boots with "socks" or dynamic foot collars can help because they are more locked to your foot than normal boots.

It might make it a little easier, but in the end, a knuckle ball is a knuckle ball.

Yes. Anybody will do it many times while learning other things. This is why it is hard to learn, because for a long period of time you have taught yourself not to kick like that.

That is not supposed to happen. Try to position your foot a little higher when you kick.

No, any ones that you are comfortable with are acceptable.

Keep practicing. It's all about being to hit the ball correctly. You must get right under the ball while angling your foot upwards. Practice makes perfect.

Try to place the ball flat on the ground with its air pump facing you. Then just keep aiming at that small hole. It is a hard shot to master, so keep practicing.

It's possible, but hard, because the ball can miss the goal at the outspin. It will be much better and safe with a longer distance.

it would work, but would not have as much dip.

The bend can sometimes have a mind of its own, but maybe if you back up more you will see some bend.

You need to focus on the ball and goal, and nothing else. Don´'t let the noises around you distract you.

You could, but it would be more challenging as running shoes are thicker than soccer cleats.

You are probably kicking with the wrong part of your foot at the wrong angle. wikiHow's article on shooting a soccer ball can give you some tips on shooting straight.

No, it's not necessary, but it does help.

After a lot of practice, yes, that can be achieved. You must have good positioning to be able to do that though. You should also make sure the place is open without many defenders after you.

It depends on what you are trying to achieve. A knuckle ball is hit right in the middle, but a typical ball gets hit right underneath, giving it power and spin for control.

The ball curves for two reasons -- the spin and the wind. When going for a curve, you need a perfect side spin. Also, during this, the ball bounces around the wind, bending or curving it.

Because you strike the ball wit the "knuckle" part of your foot, and because it shifts in the air like a knuckleball pitch in baseball.

Yes, but it will be more difficult.

Practice with a stationary ball first, and then try just doing passes against a wall. Practice is key. Be patient while you're learning.

That is normal, as you don’t normally bend your ankle that way. As always, repetition is key. You will get used to it if you repeat it. Try this 20 times with each foot each day, and work toward 50.