PES 2021: Master The Knuckleball - Tutorial & Guide

Hey guys! Want to dominate in PES 2021 and leave your opponents scratching their heads? Then you've come to the right place! Today, we're diving deep into the art of the knuckleball – that unpredictable, swerving shot that can turn a game on its head. This isn't just some fancy trick; mastering the knuckleball in PES 2021 adds a serious weapon to your arsenal. Get ready to learn everything you need to know, from player selection to execution, so you can start banging in those knuckleball screamers! Let's get started and elevate your PES 2021 game to a whole new level. This guide will provide you with all the necessary steps and tips and tricks to master this unique skill. So, grab your controller, and let's get started!

What is a Knuckleball, and Why Use It in PES 2021?

Okay, so before we get into the nitty-gritty of how to pull off a knuckleball in PES 2021, let's quickly explain what it actually is and why you should bother learning it. In real-life football (soccer for our American friends!), a knuckleball is a shot that's struck with very little spin. This causes the ball to move erratically in the air, making it incredibly difficult for the goalkeeper to judge its trajectory. Think of it like a wobbly, unpredictable curveball in baseball. The lack of spin means the air pressure around the ball affects it in strange ways, leading to those crazy dips and swerves that make knuckleballs so mesmerizing – and so hard to save!

In PES 2021, the knuckleball replicates this effect, though perhaps with a little digital exaggeration. When executed correctly, a knuckleball will have a visible wobble and unpredictable movement, making it much harder for the AI (or your human opponent) to predict where it's going. This is especially useful against goalkeepers who tend to anticipate shots based on initial trajectory. The knuckleball throws a wrench into their calculations! The beauty of the knuckleball lies in its deception. It starts off looking like it's going one way, and then, at the last possible second, it veers off in a completely different direction. This sudden change in direction is what catches goalkeepers off guard and gives you a higher chance of scoring a spectacular goal.

Furthermore, the knuckleball is an excellent way to surprise your opponent. Most players expect a standard, predictable shot. By unleashing a knuckleball, you're doing something unexpected, something that can disrupt their defensive strategy and create an opening for your team. Think of it as a psychological weapon as much as a physical one. The more you use it, the more your opponents will fear it, and the more opportunities you'll create for yourself. It's not just about scoring goals; it's about controlling the flow of the game and keeping your opponent guessing.

Choosing the Right Player: Key Stats and Skills

Alright, so you're sold on the knuckleball. Awesome! But before you go trying to ping them in with just anyone, you need to understand that player selection is crucial. Not every player in PES 2021 can effectively execute a knuckleball. You need to look for specific stats and skills that will significantly increase your chances of success. The most important stat to consider is 'Kicking Power'. This determines the force with which the player can strike the ball, which is essential for generating the necessary speed and trajectory for a knuckleball. A player with high kicking power will be able to launch the ball with enough venom to make it truly unpredictable.

Next up is 'Technique'. This stat influences the accuracy and control of the shot. While the knuckleball is inherently unpredictable, a player with good technique will be able to strike the ball in the right way to maximize its wobble and movement. Think of technique as the finesse that adds the final touch to the shot. A player with poor technique might have the power, but they won't be able to consistently hit the ball in the sweet spot to create the desired effect. Beyond the stats, you also want to look for players with specific skills. The most important skill for knuckleball success is the 'Knuckle Shot' skill card. This skill significantly enhances the player's ability to perform knuckleball shots, increasing their accuracy, power, and unpredictability. It's like having a cheat code for knuckleballs! Players with this skill are far more likely to produce those jaw-dropping, swerving shots that leave goalkeepers stranded. If you see a player with the 'Knuckle Shot' skill, snatch them up – they're worth their weight in gold.

Finally, consider the player's weak foot accuracy and usage. While it's ideal to take knuckleball shots with the player's stronger foot, having decent weak foot ability can open up more opportunities to unleash the shot from different angles. Look for players who are reasonably comfortable using both feet, as this will make them more versatile and unpredictable on the pitch. Some great examples of players known for their knuckleball prowess in PES 2021 (or who have the potential to develop it) include Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi (though he's more known for finesse shots), and free-kick specialists like Hakan Çalhanoğlu. Keep an eye out for players with high kicking power, good technique, and the 'Knuckle Shot' skill, and you'll be well on your way to knuckleball glory.

Step-by-Step Guide to Executing the Knuckleball in PES 2021

Okay, you've got your player with the right stats and skills. Now, it's time to learn how to actually execute the knuckleball in PES 2021. This requires precise timing and a good understanding of the game's controls. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the technique:

1. Positioning: First, you need to position your player in a suitable shooting position. Ideally, you want to be relatively central, around 20-30 yards from the goal. This gives you a good angle and enough distance to generate the necessary power for the shot. Avoid being too far out wide, as this will make it harder to get a clean strike on the ball. Also, make sure your player has enough space around them to take a proper run-up. Being crowded by defenders will make it difficult to execute the shot effectively.

2. Power Gauge: This is where the magic happens! When you press the shoot button, you'll see the power gauge filling up. For a knuckleball, you want to aim for around 50-75% power. This is the sweet spot that allows you to generate enough power without adding too much spin to the ball. Overpowering the shot will result in a more traditional, spinning shot, while underpowering it will make the knuckleball less effective. Practice this timing to find what works best for your chosen player.

3. The Key Input (Crucial!): As the player makes contact with the ball, quickly press the shoot button a second time. This is the secret sauce that triggers the knuckleball animation. The timing is crucial – you need to press the button just as the player's foot connects with the ball. If you press it too early or too late, you'll end up with a regular shot. This double-tap is what tells the game you want to minimize spin and maximize wobble.

4. Directional Input (Optional): While the knuckleball is primarily about minimizing spin, you can still influence the direction of the shot slightly by using the directional stick. Gently nudge the stick left or right to add a subtle curve to the ball's trajectory. This can be useful for aiming around defenders or trying to place the shot in a specific corner of the goal. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much directional input will add spin and negate the knuckleball effect.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice: Like any skill in PES 2021, mastering the knuckleball takes practice. Head into the training mode and spend some time experimenting with different players, power levels, and timings. Pay attention to the animation and the way the ball moves in the air. The more you practice, the more consistent you'll become at executing the shot. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away – keep at it, and you'll be banging in knuckleballs in no time!

Advanced Tips and Tricks for Knuckleball Mastery

So, you've got the basics down? Awesome! Now, let's take your knuckleball game to the next level with some advanced tips and tricks that will leave your opponents speechless. These are the little nuances that separate the casual knuckleballer from the true maestro. Understanding these advanced techniques will significantly improve your consistency and effectiveness, turning you into a knuckleball threat every time you get near the box.

• Free Kicks: Knuckleballs are absolutely devastating on free kicks, especially from around 25-35 yards out. The lack of a wall allows the ball to move more freely, and the goalkeeper has less time to react to the unpredictable swerve. Use the same technique as above, but pay extra attention to your player's free-kick accuracy stat. A high free-kick accuracy will increase your chances of hitting the target. Experiment with different angles and distances to find the sweet spots for your chosen free-kick taker. Remember to adjust your aiming reticle to account for the expected curve of the ball.

• Reading the Goalkeeper: Pay attention to the goalkeeper's positioning before you take the shot. Are they standing centrally, or are they slightly favoring one side of the goal? Use this information to your advantage by aiming your knuckleball towards the opposite side. The unpredictable movement of the ball will make it even harder for the goalkeeper to adjust their position and make the save. Also, watch for any patterns in the goalkeeper's behavior. Do they tend to dive early, or do they wait until the last possible second? Adjust your timing accordingly to try and catch them off guard.

• Mix It Up: Don't become predictable! If you're constantly trying to score knuckleballs, your opponent will eventually figure out your strategy and adjust their defense accordingly. Mix things up by alternating between knuckleballs, finesse shots, and driven shots. This will keep your opponent guessing and make it harder for them to anticipate your next move. The element of surprise is a powerful weapon, so use it to your advantage. Also, try using different players to take your shots. This will make it harder for your opponent to predict what kind of shot is coming.

• Incorporate Fakes: Before shooting, try using a fake shot (usually by pressing shoot and then pass quickly). This can throw off the goalkeeper and create a better shooting opportunity. A well-timed fake shot can cause the goalkeeper to commit to a dive in the wrong direction, leaving the goal wide open for your knuckleball. Practice your fake shot timing to make it look as realistic as possible.

• Mastering the Double Tap: The double-tap timing is crucial for executing a perfect knuckleball. Experiment with different timings to find what works best for each player. Some players might require a slightly earlier double-tap, while others might need a slightly later one. Pay attention to the animation and the way the ball comes off the player's foot to fine-tune your timing. Use the training mode to practice your double-tap timing until it becomes second nature.

By incorporating these advanced tips and tricks into your game, you'll be well on your way to becoming a knuckleball master in PES 2021. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep experimenting and refining your technique until you can consistently unleash those unstoppable, swerving shots.

Conclusion: Unleash Your Knuckleball Prowess!

So there you have it, folks! Everything you need to know to master the knuckleball in PES 2021. From selecting the right players to executing the perfect shot, you're now armed with the knowledge to add a whole new dimension to your game. Remember, the knuckleball is more than just a flashy trick; it's a strategic weapon that can disrupt defenses, surprise goalkeepers, and ultimately, win you games. Don't be afraid to experiment, practice diligently, and unleash your knuckleball prowess on the virtual pitch.

With dedication and persistence, you'll be scoring screamers in no time, leaving your opponents in awe of your skill. So go out there, have fun, and start bending those balls like never before! Now go forth and conquer, and may your knuckleballs always find the back of the net! Good luck, and happy gaming!