If you can’t score, then it doesn’t matter if you’ve recruited the best players in FIFA 21 Ultimate Team or spent a ton of FIFA Coins. The number of goals on the scoreboard matter far more than any number on your jerseys.
Learn how to play better offense and score more goals with tips and tricks from FIFA esports veterans Brandon Smith and Richard Buckley.
The Best Ways to Score in FIFA 21
"High scoring matches are going to be common this year in FIFA 21 and it’s important to understand you have loads of options in front of goal,” said Brandon. Let’s explore some of the most effective ways to score:
What is a Finesse Shot
A Finesse shot is when you hit the ball with the instep of your player’s shooting foot. Unlike traditional shots, these curve, making them a versatile option depending on the opponent’s positioning and your player’s skills.
How to Finesse Shot
Hold R1 and hold Circle to find the right and curl the ball past the goalkeeper with a finesse shot.
Best Stats and Traits for Finesse Shots
- Stat: Curve
- Stat: Finishing
- Trait: Finesse Shot
How to Score Finesse Shots
Use players on your team that excel in these skill attributes (stats and traits) to increase consistency and shooting percentage, ultimately scoring you more goals. Finesse shots are more likely to go in from the side of the goal. Aim for the far post or corner to finish from the right angle. Straight shots are likely more effective at close-range in front of the goalie because the keeper has less time to react.
What is Heading
Heading is when a player hits the ball with their head. It can be used to pass or score. You’ll want to switch from assisted to manual headers for the best results.
How to Score with Manual Headers
- Position yourself under the ball.
- Aim towards the posts/corners.
- Practice different power levels on your shot meter in training mode to get a feel for the best angles and strength based on various positions.
“When you first start you are going to miss,” said Richard. “it is going to be hard. Practice, practice, practice... cause if you get it right, you’re going to score plenty of goals.”
What are Chip Shots
Chip shots are slow shots that arc straight over the goalkeeper.
How to Chip Shot
Hold L1 and power up the shot with Circle to chip the ball over the goalie’s head.
How to Score Chip Shots
If the keeper charges forward or is simply too far outside of the box, use the chip shot for an easy goal, assuming a defender doesn’t scoop up the shot before it reaches the goal.
What is a Power Shot
Power shots are the standard soccer or football shot. You won’t get any style points with these, but you’ll definitely score most of your points that actually count toward victory.
How to Power Shot
These are the easiest shots in the game to perform. Simply hold Circle to charge the shot.
Best Stats and Traits for Power Shoots
- Stat: Shot Power
How to Score Power Shots
Power Shots are the most versatile offensive move in the game, meaning they are on average more reliable than finesse shots, chip shots, and headers. Your main concern might instead be finding an opening to shoot. Juke or dribble through the competition and then charge your shot meter. Practice shooting from different distances to get a better feel for the power levels. Since the goalie is AI-controlled, we’ve had the best luck aiming for the far post.
What are Volleys
“Volleys are back this year and this year they’re OP in FIFA 21,” said Brandon.
This is basically a shot without stopping. Players kick the ball as it comes toward them without lowering the momentum of the ball.
How to Volley
Press Circle when the ball is near your player to volley.
How to Score Volleys
“Knock it to the back post, knock it to the front post, edge of the box, anywhere and these volleys will be flying into the back of the net,” said Richard.
The traditional strategy is to pass the ball across the pitch near the outside of the box to set yourself up for a promising angle at the goal. Volleys are far more powerful than normal power shots by default thanks to the momentum. Your best bet is to put less power into the shot when volleying than you’d expect.
What is a Ball Roll
A ball roll is when you juke or dribble around the goalkeeper to score. This is less humiliating than it sounds since the goalie is AI-controlled.
How to Score Ball Rolls
Roll the Right Stick to the right or the left depending on your direction away from the goalie to trigger the ball roll animation. Then the goal is yours unless a defender sneaks in to ruin your fun. The ball roll is one of the best ways to win one-on-ones, so start grinding the technique.
Score Big Prizes in Free FIFA 21 Tournaments
One of the most efficient methods to improve your game is to play against better competition. Join the FIFA 21 Open Series where prizes are distributed simply for participating. Plus, seeing other players put all of these scoring methods to use is sure to inspire some new strategies.