Mastering the Art of Scoring: How to Shoot in PES 2021 on PS4

Nov 5, 2025 by recoveryshake.com 61 views

Mastering the Art of Scoring: How to Shoot in PES 2021 on PS4

eFootball PES 2021 Season Update on the PlayStation 4 offers an incredibly realistic football simulation, and at its heart lies the exhilarating challenge of scoring goals. For many players, especially newcomers or those looking to refine their game, understanding how to shoot in PES 2021 PS4 effectively is the single most critical skill to master. This in-depth article will serve as your ultimate guide, dissecting every aspect of the shooting mechanics, from basic controls to advanced techniques, ensuring you can consistently find the back of the net and elevate your gameplay to a professional level. Whether you’re aiming for precision, power, or a cheeky lob, we’ll cover the essential tips and tricks to transform your attacking play and make you a prolific scorer. We’ll explore the nuances of various shot types, crucial situational awareness, and effective training methods to solidify your position as a formidable striker in the virtual arena. This comprehensive guide will empower you to confidently take on any opponent, turning promising attacks into glorious goals and leaving no doubt about your scoring prowess in PES 2021.

Unlocking Your Scoring Potential: Basic Shooting Controls and Fundamentals

To truly master shooting in PES 2021 on PS4, we must first establish a solid understanding of the fundamental controls and the core mechanics that govern every shot. The basic shot input in PES 2021 is straightforward: simply press the Square (⬜) button. However, the nuance lies in how and when you press it, as well as the accompanying directional input. When you press and hold Square, a power gauge will appear above your player, indicating the strength of the impending shot. The longer you hold the button, the more power your shot will have. Releasing the button initiates the shot, sending the ball towards the goal. This seemingly simple action is the bedrock upon which all other shooting techniques are built, and understanding its immediate effect on trajectory and power is crucial. The direction you push the left analog stick (LS) before and during the shot command determines the shot’s target. Pointing the stick towards the top corners, bottom corners, or even directly at the goalkeeper will influence where the ball is ultimately struck. Precision here is paramount; even a slight misdirection can send your shot wide or straight into the keeper’s arms. Furthermore, a critical aspect often overlooked is the player’s body position and balance. A player who is off-balance, facing away from the goal, or under heavy defensive pressure will inherently produce a less powerful and less accurate shot, regardless of how perfectly you time the power gauge. Therefore, creating space, receiving the ball with a good first touch that sets up the shot, and ensuring your player is in an optimal shooting stance are vital precursors to any successful attempt on goal. These foundational elements of control, power management, and directional accuracy are the initial steps on your journey to becoming a clinical finisher in PES 2021, laying the groundwork for more complex and specialized shooting techniques we will explore further. It’s not just about hitting the button; it’s about timing, positioning, and understanding the interplay of these basic inputs to shoot effectively in PES 2021 PS4.

The Arsenal of Attack: Understanding Different Shot Types

Beyond the basic power shot, PES 2021 offers a diverse array of shot types, each designed for specific situations and requiring precise execution. Knowing how to perform these specialized shots in PES 2021 on PS4 can significantly enhance your goal-scoring repertoire and make you a more unpredictable and dangerous attacker. Each type serves a unique purpose, from bending the ball around defenders to lofting it over an onrushing goalkeeper, and mastering them is key to adapting to various defensive setups and scoring opportunities. Understanding when to deploy each shot is as important as knowing how to execute it, as choosing the wrong shot can mean the difference between a spectacular goal and a wasted opportunity. This section will break down each shot type, providing insights into their mechanics and optimal usage scenarios, helping you expand your offensive toolkit in PES 2021.

Standard Shot: Power and Precision

The standard shot is your bread and butter, executed by simply pressing and holding Square (⬜). This is the most common and versatile shot, suitable for a wide range of situations, particularly when you have a clear sight of goal or need raw power to beat the keeper. To shoot powerfully in PES 2021 PS4, hold down the Square button to fill the power gauge about 70-90% for long-range efforts, or less for closer, controlled finishes. The key here is also the direction input: point the Left Analog Stick (LS) towards the corners of the goal to increase your chances of scoring. A shot aimed directly at the center is often easily saved. Players with high ‘Kicking Power’ and ‘Finishing’ stats will naturally produce more effective standard shots. This shot type is highly effective when you’re breaking away, have a moment of space at the edge of the box, or want to unleash a thunderbolt from distance. Remember, a well-placed, medium-power shot is often more effective than an over-powered shot blasted wide. Practice varying the power and direction to find the sweet spot for different distances and angles. Mastering this foundational shot provides the basis for all other advanced techniques, as the core principle of power and direction remains constant. It’s about finding the balance between force and accuracy, leveraging your player’s attributes to ensure the ball is struck with optimal trajectory and velocity, making it challenging for the goalkeeper to anticipate or react effectively. Learning to execute powerful, accurate shots in PES 2021 is the first step towards consistent goal scoring.

Finesse Shot (Curl Shot): The Art of Placement

When precision and placement are more important than sheer power, the finesse shot, also known as the curl shot, is your go-to option. To execute a finesse shot in PES 2021 PS4, hold R2 (RT on Xbox) and then press Square (⬜). This shot adds curl to the ball, allowing you to bend it around defenders or place it delicately into the far corner of the net, often leaving the goalkeeper stranded. This technique is particularly effective when you’re shooting from an angle, cutting in from the wing, or when the goalkeeper is slightly out of position. Players with high ‘Curl’ and ‘Finishing’ stats will excel at these shots, making the ball bend with exquisite precision. The power gauge still applies, but you generally want to use less power for finesse shots to maintain accuracy and curl. A half-filled power gauge is often ideal. Learning to curl the ball in PES 2021 opens up new scoring avenues, especially against stubborn defenses. Imagine cutting in from the left wing with a right-footed player; a well-timed finesse shot aimed at the far post can be incredibly difficult for the keeper to save. This shot type requires a good understanding of angles and player positioning, but once mastered, it becomes a devastating weapon in your offensive arsenal. It’s about outsmarting the keeper, not overpowering them, by exploiting the narrow gaps and placing the ball precisely where they can’t reach, even with a full-stretch dive. The beauty of the finesse shot lies in its elegance and effectiveness.

Chip Shot (Lob Shot): Overcoming the Keeper

Facing an onrushing goalkeeper who has charged off their line, committing to narrowing your angle? The chip shot, or lob shot, is the perfect solution. To perform a chip shot in PES 2021 PS4, hold L1 (LB on Xbox) and then press Square (⬜). This action sends the ball soaring gracefully over the goalkeeper’s head, aiming for the empty net behind them. This is a highly situational shot but incredibly rewarding when pulled off successfully. The timing and power are crucial here: too much power, and the ball sails over the bar; too little, and the keeper might still catch it. A power gauge filled to about 20-40% is usually sufficient, depending on your distance from the goal and the keeper’s position. This shot is most effective when you are one-on-one with the keeper, and they have committed to coming out to narrow the angle. It requires composure and a quick decision, but scoring with a lob shot in PES 2021 is one of the most satisfying ways to put the ball in the net. Practice is key to gauging the perfect power for different distances. Don’t overuse it; save it for those moments when the keeper’s aggression leaves them vulnerable. It’s a testament to your tactical awareness and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses, showcasing a cool head in high-pressure goal-scoring situations. This technique adds an element of craftiness to your PES 2021 shooting repertoire.

Knuckle Shot: Unpredictable Power

The knuckle shot is a highly specialized and powerful shot that can be incredibly difficult for goalkeepers to deal with due to its unpredictable movement. To attempt a knuckle shot in PES 2021 PS4, you need a player with the ‘Knuckle Shot’ player skill. The execution involves a specific timing of the Square (⬜) button: press and hold for power, then quickly release and press Square (⬜) again just as the player is about to strike the ball. This is a very precise timing window. If executed correctly, the ball will fly with little to no spin, causing it to swerve and dip unpredictably in the air. This makes it challenging for goalkeepers to track and save. Knuckle shots are typically used from long range, outside the penalty area, and require a significant amount of power. Not all players can perform this, so ensure your chosen shooter possesses the specific skill. Unleashing a knuckle shot in PES 2021 can often catch opponents off guard and is a fantastic way to score spectacular long-range goals. It’s a high-risk, high-reward technique that, when mastered, adds a formidable dimension to your long-range attacking options. The unpredictability is its greatest asset, but also its greatest challenge in execution, demanding both precise input and the right player. Successfully pulling off a knuckle shot can be a game-changer, especially when facing a well-organized defense.

Dipping Shot and Rising Shot: Specialized Power Strikes

Similar to the knuckle shot, the dipping shot and rising shot are specialized powerful strikes available to players with the corresponding ‘Dipping Shot’ or ‘Rising Shot’ player skills. These shots are also executed by pressing and holding Square (⬜) for power, then quickly pressing Square (⬜) again, similar to the knuckle shot, but often with a slightly different timing window and player attributes determining the outcome. A dipping shot in PES 2021 will see the ball rise steeply and then suddenly drop towards the goal, often just under the crossbar, making it difficult for the keeper to react. Conversely, a rising shot in PES 2021 will see the ball maintain a powerful, upward trajectory, often into the top corners. Both are devastating from medium to long range and add another layer of unpredictability to your attacking play. These shots leverage specific player traits, meaning not every player can perform them, even with perfect timing. Identify players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi (who often have these special abilities), or others in your squad with these skills, and practice the timing. These special shot types embody the realistic player individuality that PES is known for, providing truly unique goal-scoring opportunities for players who invest time in learning their roster’s capabilities. Mastering these will give you a significant edge in how to shoot effectively in PES 2021 PS4 from various distances, offering spectacular ways to breach even the most formidable defenses and score memorable goals that swing the momentum of a match.

Advanced Shooting Techniques and Situational Awareness

Beyond merely knowing how to shoot in PES 2021 PS4, true mastery involves understanding when to use each shot type and how to combine them with other offensive maneuvers. This section delves into advanced techniques and crucial situational awareness tips that will turn you into a clinical finisher, capable of exploiting even the smallest defensive errors. It’s about reading the game, anticipating player movements, and executing the perfect shot at the precise moment. Integrating these strategies into your gameplay will significantly elevate your goal-scoring consistency and make your attacking play far more dynamic and difficult to defend against, transforming you into a truly unpredictable threat in front of goal.

One-Touch Finishing: Clinical Instinct

One-touch finishing is a hallmark of truly clinical strikers and is incredibly effective in PES 2021. This involves shooting with the first touch after receiving the ball, without taking any additional dribbling touches. To execute a one-touch shot in PES 2021 PS4, simply press Square (⬜) immediately as the ball arrives at your player’s feet. This technique minimizes the time defenders have to react and block the shot, and it often catches the goalkeeper off guard. It’s particularly useful for tap-ins from crosses, rebounds, or when receiving a through ball inside the box. Players with high ‘First-Time Shot’ skill and excellent ‘Finishing’ stats are best suited for this. The trick is to anticipate the pass and pre-load your shot command. While it can result in less power or accuracy than a carefully set-up shot, the advantage of speed often outweighs these drawbacks, especially in crowded penalty areas. Improving your one-touch finishing in PES 2021 requires excellent spatial awareness and quick decision-making, allowing you to convert half-chances into genuine goal-scoring opportunities. It’s a testament to a striker’s predatory instincts and ability to react instantly to unfolding play. This demonstrates a deep understanding of how to score quickly in PES 2021 and is a crucial skill for any aspiring top scorer.

Through Balls and Shooting: Dynamic Combinations

Combining accurate through balls with well-timed shots is a classic and highly effective attacking strategy in PES 2021. A perfectly weighted Triangle (△) through ball can put your striker clean through on goal, creating a prime one-on-one shooting opportunity in PES 2021 PS4. Once your player receives the through ball, you’ll need to decide quickly whether to go for a standard power shot, a finesse shot, or a chip shot, depending on the goalkeeper’s position. If the keeper charges out aggressively, a chip shot (L1 + Square) might be best. If they stay cautiously on their line, a well-placed finesse shot (R2 + Square) or a powerful standard shot (Square) to the far corner is often effective. Mastering through ball setups for shooting in PES 2021 involves understanding defensive lines, anticipating runs, and delivering the pass at the right moment to maximize the striker’s advantage. This synergy between passing and shooting is what separates good attacks from great ones. The ability to thread a pass that bypasses the entire defense, followed by a clinical finish, is one of the most satisfying sequences in the game and a key component of effective PES 2021 goal scoring strategies that rely on precision and timing. It’s about intelligent playmaking leading to decisive finishing.

Crosses and Volleys/Headers: Aerial Dominance

When attacking from the flanks, crosses become a primary method of creating scoring chances, and knowing how to finish from crosses in PES 2021 PS4 is crucial. To deliver a cross, use Circle (○) (tap for low, hold for high, double-tap for ground cross, triple-tap for low driving cross). Once the cross is in the air, your players can attempt either a volley or a header. To perform a header or volley, simply press Square (⬜) as the ball reaches your attacking player in the box. The power gauge still applies, so timing your button press and release is vital for directing the shot accurately and powerfully. Players with high ‘Header’ and ‘Finishing’ stats, along with good ‘Jump’ and ‘Physical Contact’, will be more effective in aerial duels and finish with greater precision. For volleys, ‘First-Time Shot’ skill is also very beneficial. Scoring headers and volleys in PES 2021 requires excellent anticipation of the cross’s trajectory and positioning your player correctly to meet the ball. Look for players making runs into the box and aim your crosses accordingly. This advanced technique adds a significant dimension to your attacking play, allowing you to exploit the width of the pitch and create goals from various angles, especially against opponents who pack the central areas. Developing this aspect of your game will make you a more well-rounded and unpredictable attacker, capable of scoring from virtually anywhere on the field.

Free Kicks and Penalties: Set-Piece Mastery

Set pieces are golden opportunities to score, and mastering free kicks and penalties in PES 2021 PS4 can turn draws into wins. For free kicks, the controls are more intricate. First, choose your shooter and adjust the camera angle with the Right Analog Stick (RS). To aim, use the Left Analog Stick (LS). For a standard shot, press Square (⬜) and fill the power gauge, adding some top or side spin with LS after the shot. To add curl, hold R2 (RT) while shooting with Square. For dipping/rising/knuckle shots, apply the specific timing techniques if your player has the skill. The key is to aim carefully, considering the wall, the keeper, and the physics of the ball. Practice in training mode to find the right power and spin combinations for different distances. For penalties, the process is simpler but requires nerve. Aim with the LS (keep it held in the desired direction until the player strikes the ball) and press Square (⬜) to fill the power gauge. Don’t over-power, as this often leads to shots wide or over the bar. A power gauge filled to about 60-70% is usually ideal for a powerful, accurate shot towards the corners. Observe the goalkeeper’s movement and try to shoot in the opposite direction. These are crucial PES 2021 set piece shooting tips that can define a match’s outcome, demanding both technical execution and mental fortitude. Being proficient in these dead-ball situations provides invaluable avenues for scoring and applies the principles of how to shoot in PES 2021 PS4 under pressure, demonstrating your ability to perform when it matters most.

Training and Practice for Perfection

Knowing how to shoot in PES 2021 PS4 is one thing, but consistently executing those shots under pressure is another. Dedicating time to practice and understanding player attributes is crucial for perfecting your goal-scoring ability. This section outlines effective training methodologies and strategic considerations that will help you refine your technique and make smarter decisions on the pitch, ensuring that your understanding translates into undeniable success. Consistent effort in these areas will set you apart from the competition, transforming potential into consistent performance.

Utilizing Training Mode: Repetition is Key

PES 2021 offers an excellent Training Mode that is invaluable for honing your shooting skills. This dedicated environment allows you to practice without the pressure of a live match, focusing solely on technique. Head into the ‘Free Training’ section, choose your preferred players, and set up various scenarios. Practicing shooting in PES 2021 training mode allows you to experiment with different shot types (standard, finesse, chip, knuckle, etc.) from various distances and angles. Pay close attention to the power gauge, the directional input, and how different players strike the ball. Repeat specific shots until you develop muscle memory for the timing and power required. Practice free kicks and penalties extensively here, as their execution is highly nuanced. The more repetitions you put in, the more intuitive shooting will become, making you faster and more accurate in real match situations. This focused practice is the most direct path to improving your shooting accuracy in PES 2021 PS4 and becoming a truly clinical finisher. It’s an essential step for anyone serious about elevating their game and understanding the intricacies of how to shoot in PES 2021 effectively, building a robust foundation for competitive play and ensuring your skills are sharp for every encounter.

Learning Player Stats: Understanding Your Arsenal

Not all players are created equal when it comes to shooting, and understanding your players’ individual stats is vital for maximizing your goal-scoring opportunities. Key attributes that influence shooting include: Finishing, which affects accuracy and power; Kicking Power, determining shot strength; Curl, for finesse shots; Header, for aerial attempts; and specific player skills like ‘Knuckle Shot’, ‘Dipping Shot’, ‘Rising Shot’, and ‘First-Time Shot’. Before a match, or even during your training sessions, take time to review your players’ stats. Understanding player attributes for shooting in PES 2021 allows you to assign the right players to the right roles. For example, use players with high ‘Finishing’ and ‘Kicking Power’ for powerful strikes from inside the box, and those with high ‘Curl’ for finesse shots from wide angles. Knowing which players possess specific shooting skills will help you decide when to attempt a knuckle shot or a dipping shot. This knowledge empowers you to make smarter decisions on the pitch, ensuring you put the ball in front of the players most capable of converting chances, directly impacting how effectively you shoot in PES 2021 PS4. Leveraging player strengths is a strategic advantage that can significantly boost your team’s overall scoring output, turning good chances into great goals.

Tactical Setup: Supporting Your Strikers

Beyond individual technique, your team’s tactical setup plays a significant role in creating shooting opportunities. A well-designed formation and strategy can provide your strikers with more space, better service, and easier chances. Consider using formations that support your main attackers, such as a 4-3-3 with wingers providing crosses, or a 4-2-1-3 with an attacking midfielder providing through balls. Adjusting your Advanced Instructions (e.g., ‘False 9’, ‘Deep-lying Forward’, ‘Target Man’, ‘Wing Rotation’) can also influence how your players position themselves for shots. For instance, a ‘False 9’ can drop deep to link up play, while a ‘Target Man’ holds up the ball for arriving midfielders to shoot. Setting your attacking tactics to ‘Counter Target’ for a fast striker can ensure they’re always ready for a through ball. Optimizing your tactical setup for shooting in PES 2021 involves understanding how your players move off the ball and how your midfield can supply them. Don’t just rely on individual brilliance; build a system that consistently generates quality shooting chances. This holistic approach to how to score goals in PES 2021 PS4 emphasizes that team play is just as crucial as individual skill, creating a harmonious offensive machine that is difficult for any defense to contain. It’s about creating a flow of play that naturally leads to prime shooting opportunities.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shooting

Even experienced players can fall victim to common shooting pitfalls. Being aware of these errors and actively working to correct them will significantly improve your goal-scoring efficiency. Recognizing these tendencies in your own gameplay is the first step towards overcoming them and becoming a more reliable and consistent finisher. By proactively addressing these weaknesses, you can minimize wasted opportunities and ensure that your efforts in front of goal are as impactful as possible, cementing your reputation as a potent attacking force in PES 2021. This section will guide you through the most prevalent mistakes, offering actionable advice to refine your approach.

Over-Powering Shots: Accuracy Over Strength

One of the most frequent mistakes players make is over-powering their shots. While a powerful shot is exciting, an over-powered shot often sails high over the bar or wide of the post. Many players instinctively fill the power gauge to maximum, especially when under pressure. However, for shots inside the box, or even from the edge, a power gauge filled to 50-70% is often sufficient for both power and accuracy. Avoiding over-powered shots in PES 2021 requires discipline and understanding that context matters. A gentle, well-placed shot with medium power is far more likely to score than a blast that misses the target entirely. Practice gauging the appropriate power for different distances and angles in training mode. Remember, accuracy is king, and a slightly weaker but on-target shot always has a better chance than a thunderbolt that ends up in the stands. This refinement in power control is a subtle yet impactful aspect of how to shoot in PES 2021 PS4 with greater success, prioritizing precision to consistently beat the goalkeeper rather than relying solely on raw force, which can often be counterproductive.

Shooting from Impossible Angles: Shot Selection

Another common error is shooting from impossible angles or when heavily marked. While PES 2021 allows for spectacular goals from tight angles, attempting them constantly when better options exist is inefficient and often leads to wasted possessions. Often, players will take a shot when a pass to a teammate in a better position, or a quick dribble to create more space, would be a more prudent decision. Improving shot selection in PES 2021 involves developing better situational awareness. Before pressing Square (⬜), quickly assess: Is my player facing the goal? Is there a clear path to goal? Are there defenders blocking the shot? Is a teammate in a better position? Sometimes, a shot that looks promising on paper is heavily contested, leading to blocked shots or weak efforts. Learning to hold onto the ball for an extra second, creating a better angle, or laying it off to a teammate can dramatically increase your scoring chances. This strategic aspect of how to score in PES 2021 PS4 is about making intelligent decisions under pressure, prioritizing high-percentage opportunities over low-percentage heroics, thus maximizing your team’s offensive output.

Lack of Composure: Panicking Under Pressure

Finally, lack of composure under pressure is a significant factor in missed opportunities. In tight matches or critical moments, players can panic and rush their shots, leading to poor decisions and execution. This manifests as over-powering, misdirection, or choosing the wrong shot type entirely. The adrenaline of the moment can cloud judgment, causing players to ignore optimal power levels or directional inputs. Developing composure for shooting in PES 2021 comes with practice and experience. Try to remain calm when presented with a scoring chance. Take a deep breath (metaphorically, of course!) and quickly process the situation before pressing the shoot button. Focus on the power gauge and the directional input. The ability to remain calm and execute your technique flawlessly, even with a defender breathing down your neck or the keeper rushing out, is a hallmark of a truly great finisher. This mental aspect is often overlooked but is just as important as the physical controls when learning how to shoot in PES 2021 PS4 effectively and consistently, ensuring you perform at your best when it counts the most, turning pressure into precision and sealing vital goals for your team.

Conclusion: Practice Makes Perfect in PES 2021 Shooting

Mastering how to shoot in PES 2021 PS4 is an evolutionary process that combines technical understanding with consistent practice and keen situational awareness. We’ve journeyed through the foundational controls, delving into the intricacies of various shot types—from the versatile standard shot and precise finesse shot to the cunning chip, unpredictable knuckle, and specialized dipping/rising shots. Each type, when deployed correctly, offers a distinct advantage in dismantling opponent defenses. Furthermore, we’ve explored advanced strategies, emphasizing the importance of split-second decisions for one-touch finishing, the synergy of through balls with clinical shots, and dominating the aerial game through well-timed volleys and headers. The crucial role of set pieces, be it free kicks or penalties, in deciding match outcomes has also been highlighted, underscoring the need for meticulous practice in these high-pressure scenarios. Beyond individual execution, this guide stressed the importance of utilizing the dedicated training mode for muscle memory development, understanding your players’ unique attributes to leverage their strengths, and optimizing your tactical setup to consistently create quality goal-scoring opportunities. Finally, we addressed common pitfalls, offering insights into how to avoid over-powering shots, improving shot selection by assessing angles and defensive pressure, and, critically, cultivating mental composure when the stakes are highest. Each element discussed herein contributes to a comprehensive framework for elevating your goal-scoring prowess.

Remember, the virtual pitch of PES 2021 is dynamic and ever-changing. Each match presents unique challenges and opportunities, demanding adaptability and quick thinking. By diligently practicing these techniques, analyzing your gameplay, and adapting your approach based on opponent strengths and weaknesses, you will not only improve your PES 2021 shooting skills but also elevate your overall understanding and enjoyment of the game. The difference between a good player and a great player often lies in their ability to convert chances consistently, and this guide provides you with the knowledge and actionable advice to make that leap. So, pick up your controller, dedicate time to the training ground, and apply these strategies in your next match. The journey to becoming a scoring maestro in PES 2021 begins now. Good luck, and may your shots always find the back of the net, leading your team to countless victories and memorable moments on the virtual pitch! With persistent effort and smart application of these tips, you’ll be celebrating more goals than ever before.