15 Must-Know Soccer Curling Shots and How to Perfect Them

Are you like me, who watches the most popular women footballers taking soccer curling shots and says, “How do I do that? Welcome to the club, and let’s learn. 

Soccer curling shots are essential yet often overlooked techniques for female soccer players looking to add versatility and unpredictability to their game. Whether creating clever assists, bending shots around walls, or curving balls past outstretched goalkeepers, mastering a repertoire of curling shots unlocks game-changing opportunities. 

This guide will discuss 15 unique soccer curling shots for female players and how to perfect them. You’ll discover the science behind these bending beauties, hone crossover dribbling moves, and learn how to put just the right spin on crosses, free kicks, and more. 

Why Soccer Curling Shots Matter

Before we jump into the best curling shots you need to master, let’s talk about why soccer curling shots are such a big deal. 

These tricky soccer curling shorts can help you;

1. Surprise defenders and goalkeepers

2. Score from tough angles

3. Send in perfect crosses

4. Make your free kicks unstoppable

Plus, they look super cool! Who doesn’t want to be the player that can bend it like Beckham?

Understanding the Science Behind Curling Shots

Before we break down specific techniques, let’s explore what makes curling shots actually curve. Okay, it’s time for a quick science lesson (don’t worry—it’s the fun kind!). 

Soccer curling shots work because of something called the Magnus effect—the way spinning spheres curve through the air. It’s like this;

• When you kick the ball with spin, it creates different air pressures on each side.
• This pressure difference makes the ball curve in the air.
• The more spin you put on the ball, the more it curves.

As the ball spins, airflow speeds up on one side and slows down on the other, creating an imbalance in air pressure that makes the ball bend. For soccer balls, which don’t spin perfectly uniformly, the raised seams disturb airflow even more. More disturbance equals more curvature.

You can fine-tune shot bending by adjusting foot placement, kick power, and ball contact. Aim crossed ankles for inside-out curves or angled toes for outside-in swerve. Brush the ball for topspin or drive through the middle for backspin.

Now, let’s dive into the 15 unique soccer curling shots.

15 Must-Know Soccer Curling Shots

Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been playing for years, mastering soccer curling shots can take your skills to a whole new level. Let’s dive into the world of bending balls and learn how to make that soccer ball dance!

1. The Classic Inside-Out Curl

What is the classic inside-out curl? This shot curves away from your standing foot, starting wide and then swerving inside.

How do you do the classic inside-out curl?

• Approach the ball at a 30-45 degree angle
• Position your non-kicking foot behind the ball, pointed toward the target
• Strike the ball just off-center with your laces
• Rotate your upper body and follow through fully to put crucial topspin on the ball

When to use the classic inside-out curl shot

The classic inside-out is perfect for bending shots into the top or bottom corners where keepers least expect them. It’s especially effective when you have a clear shot, but defenders are blocking the direct path to the goal.

Tips for mastering the classic inside-out curl

• Set up a wall of cones and practice curving shots around them
• Focus on your follow-through – it’s key to generating the right spin
• Start close to the goal and gradually move back as you improve
• Pay attention to how different parts of your foot contact the ball affect the curve

Soccer Curling Shots like the inside-out curl can turn a blocked shot into a goal-scoring opportunity. With practice, you’ll learn to read the field and spot the perfect moments to unleash this crafty technique.

2. The Outside-In Curl

What is the outside-in curl soccer shot? It starts on a central path and then bends away from the kick direction, fooling defenders and goalkeepers.

How to do the outside-in curl short

• Start your approach slightly to the inside of the ball
• Place your plant foot about 10 inches to the side of the ball, parallel to your target
• Angle your body slightly away from the direction you want the ball to curve
• Strike the ball with the outside of your foot, making contact just below and to the inside of the ball’s center
• Keep your ankle locked and foot pointed downward at impact
• Follow through by bringing your kicking foot across your body towards your plant foot
• Maintain an upright posture throughout the kick to ensure accuracy

When to use the outside-in curl shot

1. When a defender is blocking the near post, and you want to curl it to the far post
2. To bend the ball around a goalkeeper who’s positioned for a straight shot
3. In one-on-one situations to wrong-foot the keeper

Tips for mastering the outside-in curl shot

• Practice with a row of mannequins or cones, starting with a gentle curve and increasing difficulty
• Focus on the point of contact – even small changes can greatly affect the ball’s path
• Start close to the goal and gradually move further back as you improve
• Use targets on the goal to fine-tune your accuracy
• Practice with both stationary and moving balls to simulate game situations
• Work on disguising your intentions – make it look like a straight shot until the last moment

The outside-in curl is particularly effective when opponents expect a standard shot, giving you the element of surprise. With diligent practice, you’ll be able to bend the ball around defenders and into the net with pinpoint accuracy.

You do know how to curl? Here’s how to do it in a video.

3. Swerving Crosses

What are swerving crosses? A swerving cross is a curling pass that bends away from defenders and toward teammates, creating dangerous attacking opportunities.

How to do a swearing cross

• Approach from wide midfield at a 45-degree angle
• Position your hips and non-kicking foot aimed at the intended receiver
• Drive slightly under the ball’s equator, brushing upwards to create a sidespin
• Ensure crosses stay below head height but curve away from defenders
• Follow through in the direction you want the ball to curve

When to use a swerving cross

A swerving cross is perfect for delivering passes that bypass defenders and land at your teammate’s feet, especially when making runs into the box or when the direct passing lane is blocked.

Tips for mastering a swerving cross

• Vary pace and whip for unpredictability
• Practice with a partner making different types of runs
• Shout verbal cues, so teammates anticipate the bend
• Work on your accuracy by setting up targets in the penalty area
• Practice from both stationary positions and while on the move

Soccer Curling Shots applied to crosses can transform a standard pass into a dangerous attacking play, catching defenders out of position and creating scoring chances.

4. The Banana Kick

What is the banana kick curling shot? A Banana kick is a dramatically curving free-kick that bends around defensive walls and towards the goal.

How to do a Banana kick

• Approach straight at the wall, then bend your steps 45 degrees upon approach
• Lean back slightly to get under the ball
• Drive your toe down under the center-bottom of the ball, transferring intense topspin
• Follow through fully with your kicking leg high and across your body
• Keep your eyes on the target throughout the kicking motion

When to use the Banana kick

A Banana kick is ideal for free kicks just outside the box when faced with a defensive wall, especially when you need to get the ball up and over quickly before dipping into the goal.

Tips for mastering a Banana kick

• Practice over a wall of teammates or mannequins, fine-tuning height and whip
• Focus on the upward brushing motion to create topspin
• Visualize the ball’s path before striking
• Experiment with different distances and angles to the goal
• Work on disguising your intention – make it look like a straight shot until the last moment

Soccer curling shots like the banana kick can turn set pieces into goal-scoring opportunities, even against well-organized defenses. Mastering this technique can make you a valuable asset in free-kick situations.

5. Low-Driven Curling Shots

What it is: A curving shot that stays close to the ground, making it hard for keepers to react and potentially skidding off wet surfaces.

How to do low-driven curling shots

• Strike the center of the ball through the vertical equator
• Tilt your planted foot out 20 degrees, opening your hips to impart sidespin
• Follow through toward the target, keeping your body over the ball
• Maintain a low trajectory by striking through the horizontal middle of the ball
• Use your instep or the inside of your foot for better control

When to use a low-driven curling shot

The low-driven curling shot is effective for shooting under jumping defenders when you want to surprise the goalkeeper with a low, fast-moving shot or on wet pitches where the ball might skip off the surface.

Tips for mastering a low-driven curling shot

• Set up mannequins and practice curving low drives from angled dribbling runs
• Focus on clean ball contact and a smooth follow-through
• Experiment with different levels of power to find the right balance of speed and curve
• Practice on both dry and wet surfaces to understand how conditions affect the ball’s movement
• Work on quick releases to catch defenders and goalkeepers off-guard

Soccer curling shots that stay low can be particularly challenging for goalkeepers, especially on wet or fast surfaces. Perfecting this technique gives you a powerful weapon in various weather conditions.

6. Top Spin Curl

What is a top spin curl? A top spin curl is a shot with extreme topspin that dips dramatically after curving.

How to do a top spin curl

• Approach the ball at a 30-degree angle
• Position your kicking foot next to the ball with toes pointed slightly upfield
• Dig your planted foot in at 45 degrees behind
• Clip just under the ball’s midline with a rising strike
• Brush up fiercely through the back half of the ball
• Follow through high, bringing your foot over the ball

When to use a top spin curl

A top spin curl shot is perfect for long-range shots that need to dip under the crossbar or free-kicks that need to clear a wall and then drop quickly. I always watch former Chelsea and current Gotham FC goalkeeper Ann Katrina do it all the time.

Tips for mastering a top spin curl

• Practice on wall rebounders to achieve the trifecta of up, side, and down curves
• Focus on the brushing motion to create maximum topspin
• Start with shorter distances and gradually increase as you improve control
• Use targets at different heights to fine-tune your control

7. Curved Free Kicks

What is a curved free kick? A curved free kick is a set-piece shot that bends around defensive walls and towards the goal.

How to do a curved free kick

• From wide angles, position your standing foot at 45 degrees
• Drive through the lower half of the ball to impart loads of sidespin
• Follow through toward the target area
• For central angles, tilt your approach slightly and take an extra stride for momentum
• Strike the ball’s midline to curve up and over the wall

When to use curved free kicks

Curved free kicks are Ideal for free kicks where a straight shot hits the wall or when you need to bend the ball around defenders.

Tips for mastering curved free kicks

• Use multiple free-kick options to keep opponents guessing
• Practice striking different parts of the ball to vary your curves
• Work on both power and finesse to handle various distances
• Study the positioning of the wall and goalkeeper before deciding on your approach

8. The Swerving Volley

What is a swerving volley? A swerving volley is a curling shot hit while the ball is in the air.

How to do a swerving volley

• Keep your eye on the ball as it comes towards you
• Angle your body slightly towards the direction of the intended curve
• Strike the ball with the inside or outside of your foot, depending on the desired curve
• Make contact with the side of the ball to create spin
• Follow through in the direction you want the ball to curve

When to use a swerving volley

A swerving volley is great for catching rebounds or connecting with crosses in the air, especially when a straight shot is blocked.

Tips for mastering a swerving volley

• Practice with a partner who tosses balls for you to volley
• Start with slower, lower tosses and gradually increase the difficulty
• Focus on clean contact and follow-through
• Work on timing your approach to meet the ball at the right moment

9. The Knuckleball

What is the knuckleball curling shot? A knuckleball is a shot with little to no spin that moves unpredictably in the air.

How to do the knuckleball curling shot

• Approach the ball straight on
• Strike the ball dead center with a stiff ankle
• Hit with your instep or the knuckle of your big toe
• Minimize follow-through to reduce spin
• Keep your body over the ball to ensure a low trajectory

When to use the knuckleball curling shot

The knuckleball curling shot is excellent for long-range shots or free-kicks to confuse the goalkeeper with unpredictable movement.

Tips for mastering the knuckleball curling shot

• Practice hitting the ball with different parts of your foot
• Focus on a clean, crisp strike
• Experiment with different levels of power
• Use a wall or rebounder to observe the ball’s unpredictable movement

10. The Curling Chip

What is a curling chip? A curling chip is a delicate, lofted shot that curves in the air.

How to do a curling chip

• Approach the ball at a slight angle
• Get under the ball with your instep
• Flick your foot upwards and across the ball
• Use minimal power – it’s all about technique
• Follow through in the direction of the intended curve

When to use a curling chip shot

A curling shot chip is perfect for chipping over defenders or the goalkeeper from close range, especially when they’re slightly off their line.

Tips for mastering curling chip shot

• Practice chipping over a row of cones or a practice wall
• Focus on the flicking motion rather than the power
• Try to land the ball in specific target areas
• Work on disguising the chip until the last moment

11. The Dipping Shot

What is a dipping shot? A dipping shot is a shot that initially rises, then suddenly dips down, often catching goalkeepers off guard.  Sam Kerr did this in the 2023/24 UEFA women’s champions game against Paris FC when she scored a hat trick.

How to do a dipping shot

• Approach the ball at a slight angle
• Plant your non-kicking foot slightly behind and to the side of the ball
• Strike the ball with the laces of your foot just below the center
• Lean back slightly as you make contact
• Follow through with a snapping motion of your leg
• Keep your ankle locked throughout the kick

When to use the dipping shot

A dipping shot is ideal for long-range shots when the goalkeeper is off their line or to surprise a keeper who’s expecting a more straightforward shot.

Tips for mastering a dipping shot

• Practice striking the ball at different points to control the dip
• Work on your timing to achieve the right balance of lift and dip
• Use targets at varying heights to improve accuracy
• Start closer to the goal and gradually increase the distance as you improve

12. The Roberto Carlos Special

What is the Roberto Carlos special? Generation Z will not understand this, but that’s why I’m here. The Roberto Carlos special is an extreme outside curve famously used by Roberto Carlos that starts far outside the goal and bends dramatically inward.

How to do a Roberto Carlos special curling shot

• Approach the ball from a wide-angle
• Plant your non-kicking foot far from the ball
• Strike the outside of the ball with the outside of your foot
• Generate a massive sidespin by brushing across the ball
• Follow through across your body
• Lean your upper body away from the direction of the curve

When to use the Roberto Carlos special curling shot

Roberto Carlos special is a soccer curling shot perfect for free kicks from wide angles or when you want to surprise the goalkeeper with an unexpected curve.

Tips for mastering the Roberto Carlos special

• Start with shorter distances and gradually increase as you gain control
• Focus on the point of contact and the brushing motion
• Practice visualizing the ball’s extreme curve before striking
• Work on maintaining power while achieving the curve

13. The Trivela

What is a Trivela soccer curling shot? The Trivela curling shot is a shot or pass executed with the outside of the foot, creating an inward curve.

How to do the Trivela soccer curling shot

• Approach the ball from a slight angle
• Plant your non-kicking foot next to the ball
• Turn your kicking foot so the outside is facing the ball
• Strike the ball with the outside of your foot, making contact on the lower outside quadrant
• Follow through across your body

When to use the Trivela curling shot

The Trivela curling shot is effective for crosses, shots when your body position favors the outside of the foot, or to surprise defenders expecting an inside-foot pass.

Tips for mastering the Trivela curling shot

• Practice with both stationary and moving balls
• Work on maintaining accuracy at different distances
• Use cone targets to improve precision
• Focus on the follow-through to enhance the curve

14. The Rabona Curl

What is a Rabona curl soccer curling shot? The Rabona curl is a technique where you wrap your kicking leg behind your standing leg to strike the ball, adding curl.

How to do a Rabona Curl soccer curling shots

• Approach the ball from an angle
• Plant your non-kicking foot slightly behind and to the side of the ball
• Wrap your kicking leg behind your standing leg
• Strike the ball with the inside of your wrapped foot
• Focus on hitting the side of the ball to create spin
• Follow through across your body

When to use the Rabona curl

Rabona curl soccer curling shots are helpful in crossing or shooting when the ball is on your weaker foot side or to surprise defenders with an unexpected technique.

Tips for mastering the Rabona curl

• Start with slow, controlled movements to get the technique right
• Practice without a ball first to get comfortable with the motion
• Gradually increase speed and power as you improve
• Work on disguising the move until the last moment

If Alisha Lehmann, one of the most beautiful women footballers, knows it, you can. Watch as she does the Rabona curl in training.

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A post shared by Alisha Lehmann (@alishalehmann7)

15. The In-Swinging Corner

What is an in-swinging corner? An in-swinging corner is a corner kick that curves inwards towards the goal.

How to do an in-swinging corner

For a right-footer on the left corner (or left-footer on the right):

• Angle your run-up towards the corner flag
• Strike the ball with the instep, aiming for the lower outside quadrant
• Follow through towards the goal
• Use a three-step approach for consistency

When to use an in-swinging corner

An in-swinging corner is practical when you want to curl the ball directly into the danger area, making it difficult for the goalkeeper to intercept.

Tips for mastering an in-swinging corner

• Practice hitting different areas of the penalty box
• Work on varying the power to reach near or far post
• Coordinate with teammates on their runs to meet the ball
• Use visual targets in training to improve accuracy

I only wanted to write on 15 soccer curling shots, but why not give you a bonus on another corner soccer curling shot? But first, thank me for the bonus. (I’ll hear it from this side or share this post)

The Out-Swinging Corner

What is the out-swinging corner? The out-swinging corner is a corner kick that curves away from the goal.

How to do an out-swinging corner

For a right-footer on the right corner (or left-footer on the left):

• Start your run-up from wider than the corner flag
• Approach the ball at an angle
• Strike the inside of the ball with your instep
• Follow through in the direction of the curve
• Focus on lifting the ball over the first defender

When to use an out-swinging corner

An out-swinging corner is useful when you want to avoid the goalkeeper and curl the ball away from the goal for teammates to attack. Use it if you have tall teammates who are good at heading.

Tips for mastering an out-swinging corner

• Practice delivering the ball to specific zones in the penalty area
• Work on achieving consistent height to clear the first defenders
• Coordinate with teammates on timing their runs
• Experiment with different speeds of delivery

Final Whistle

Wow, we’ve covered a lot about soccer curling shots. From the classic inside-out curl to the flashy Rabona, you’ve now got a whole toolkit of curvy kicks to try out.

Remember, mastering these soccer curling shots takes time and lots of practice. Don’t get discouraged if they don’t work right away. Even the pros had to start somewhere.

Start by practicing each shot slowly, focusing on your technique. As you get more comfortable, you can add more power and try them in game-like situations.