The "knuckleball" is when the ball does not spin as it flies through the air.Without spin, your shot will snake through the air, changing directions suddenly and making it nearly impossible for a keeper to predict, and that's without it.A good knuckleball is all in the follow-through and you can hit them in no time.
Step 1: Use a full-size ball to practice.
It must be regulation size to be nice and hard.Hitting a knuckle requires you hit the ball firmly near the center and resist following through -- a flat, small ball will be easy to hit off to the sides and it will stay on your foot for longer, causing a spin.A deflated ball is a good way to start with a knuckleball.It takes a lot of practice to perfect this shot, so having 5-10 balls to hit in a row will make life much easier.It doesn't matter what brand of ball you use, as long as it is full-sized and well pumped.
Step 2: The ball should be 30 feet away from the goal.
This is a good target to start with since you don't have to shoot at a goal.If you want to get the motion down first, don't worry about the placement of your shot.You can work on accuracy later if you hit in at the goal.
Step 3: Prepare for your normal kick-up.
The same set-up should be used if you take four steps back and two to the left.Keeping your balance on the balls of both feet is the same as standing upright.If you want to keep your chest straight as you hit the ball, it's best to start like this.The knuckleball experts stand before a free-kick.They are tall, with their chests puffed out.
Step 4: Approach the ball the same way you would a normal strike.
If you want to take a normal free-kick, keep your torso up.You will be hitting the ball with your laces in order to avoid spin.Go straight on with the ball.
Step 5: The plant foot should be placed six inches to the side.
You want your foot to be as close to the ball as possible after your run-up.The inside edge of your foot should be in the middle of the ball.The direction you want the ball to go is determined by your plant toe.
Step 6: You can strike the ball with your laces.
If you want to get the ball over the wall, you should hit it close to dead center, going just slightly lower than center.A wobbly ankle introduces spin.You want your toes pointed down.You can hit the ball with the top of your foot if you want to.
Step 7: As soon as you hit the ball, stop your follow through.
This is the hardest part to master, and it's the key to a good knuckle.You don't want to follow through on the ball if you can.If you make contact, stop driving.Everything above the knee should be quiet, even though you will feel your shin continue through the ball.The easiest way for players to find this is if they hop after the strike.Pop off your plant foot.Put your shooting foot right where the ball used to be.Keeping your torso up, straight, and balanced is important.It allows you to pull off of the shot without adding spin.You would like to feel like you're hitting the ball.The hard part is making sure you only pull back after you hit the ball.
Step 8: Without a ball, practice the hop step.
It is important to keep the ball from spinning, especially on free kicks, if you don't take this hop-step.Think of it as a kick.If you're kicking with your right foot, you should place the left near the ball.Pull your left foot up and back to keep your torso balanced as your right leg comes down.You place the ball on your right foot and kick it.You will look like you're running in place or snapping your feet past each other.
Step 9: Don't worry about power until you can hit the ball.
Many players want to learn the knuckle and start ripping pro-level free kicks in the same day.Most of the players won't be able to do that.Start learning with a simple 1-step run up, only a few yards away from the goal.Resist your follow-through motion by working on a comfortably plant foot distance.You can tell if the ball is spinning by looking at its speed.It's time to move on to full strikes once you can hit the ball without spin.
Step 10: Keep your body strong.
You want your kicking motion to be economical.With your knees slightly bent, your plant foot and torso should be set comfortably.Your run-up should be calm and well-contained.Without excess movement, your kicking leg needs to be strong.Straight lines are more likely to cause spin when you hit the ball at an angle.
Step 11: For added power, turn your foot out slightly.
You want to hit the bone on the inside-top of your foot.The hardest part of your foot is the bone in between your laces and instep.You can feel it when you run from ankle to big toe.If you want to make contact with this bone, you need to turn your ankle out slightly.To hit the ball in the dead center, you must keep the rest of your shooting motion straight.
Step 12: As you get comfortable, practice the shot daily.
Bale is the first to admit that the shot took years to perfect, even though he makes it look easy.What is his advice?Add mannequins or a wall in front of you to start shooting on an open net.Adding a keeper will help with accuracy.Hit a few knuckleballs every day and focus on honing the technique so that it becomes second nature.