Penalty kicks are some of the most nerve-wracking moments in footballâboth in real life and in eFootball 2026. A single shot from the spot can decide tournaments, online matches, or high-stakes Dream Team battles. But penalties in eFootball arenât just about pressing shoot; they require precision, timing, and mental composure.
This guide will walk you through how to take better penalties in eFootball 2026, breaking down mechanics, best techniques, player attributes, and even the psychological side of penalty-taking. So next time you have no excuses to miss one đ .
Understanding Penalty Mechanics in eFootball 2026
In eFootball, penalties rely on three key factors:
- Aim (Direction): Controlled with the left stick.
- Power (Strength): Controlled by how long you hold the shoot button.
- Timing (Execution): A perfectly timed shot improves accuracy and reduces risk.
Unlike older versions of PES, penalties in eFootball 2026 are more realistic, meaning you must balance accuracy, placement, and deception.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Penalty Taker
Not every player is suited to take penalties. Look for players with:
- High Finishing (90+): Better accuracy.
- Kicking Power (85+): Ensures strong strikes.
- Composure/Balance: Reduces chance of errors under pressure.
- Penalty Specialist Trait: Boosts consistency.
đ Best Penalty Specialists in eFootball 2026: Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Harry Kane, Roberto Carlos, and Bruno Fernandes.
Step 2: Mastering the Aim
- Corners Are Best: Aim toward the top or bottom corners for harder saves.
- Avoid Dead Center: Goalkeepers often auto-react to central shots.
- Donât Over-Aim: Extreme angles risk hitting the post.
đ Pro Tip: Hold the left stick gently in the chosen directionâdonât over-tilt.
Step 3: Perfecting Power
- Low Power: Easier to place, but risks a weak save.
- Medium Power: Balanced for accuracy and speedâideal for most situations.
- High Power: Risky but nearly unstoppable if placed well.
đ Golden Rule: Hold the shoot button just under halfway for consistent penalties.
Step 4: Timing the Shot
Timing matters:
- Early Release: Risk of under-hit penalties.
- Late Release: Sky-high miss.
- Perfect Timing: Sharp, accurate, and less predictable.
Step 5: Using Mind Games Against Goalkeepers
Penalty-taking is psychological. You can:
- Stutter or Delay Run-Up: Bait the goalkeeper into diving early.
- Mix Placements: Donât always shoot to the same side.
- Fake Power: Appear to load a strong shot, then go for finesse.
Step 6: Practicing in Training Mode
The best way to improve is through repetition:
- Use training drills to practice placement.
- Alternate takers to test their unique animations.
- Simulate pressure by setting personal challenges (e.g., 10 in a row under top corner).
Advanced Penalty Strategies
- Panenka Technique
- Lightly tap shoot to chip the ball into the middle.
- Risky but humiliates the opponent when it works.
- Finesse Penalties
- Use finesse shot mechanics for curved, placed finishes.
- Best for confident players with high curve stats.
- Shoot High Under Pressure
- Top corner penalties are nearly impossible to save.
- Requires precision with both power and aim.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
â Overpowering the shot â ball goes over the bar.
â Always aiming the same way â goalkeepers predict your style.
â Using weak-foot players â reduces consistency.
â Forgetting stamina â tired players are less accurate.
Penalty Shootouts in Tournaments
In competitive eFootball esports tournaments, penalties are often match-deciders.
- Train multiple players as penalty takers.
- Keep your calmâmany opponents panic, so composure is your greatest weapon.
- Always have one defensive and one attacking penalty taker ready for shootouts.
Conclusion
Penalties in eFootball 2026 demand more than luckâtheyâre about preparation, composure, and smart execution. By choosing the right taker, aiming carefully, mastering power and timing, and using psychological tricks, you can score consistently under pressure.
The next time your Dream Team match goes to penalties, you wonât just be hopingâyouâll be confident.
