How to take a penalty in FIFA 22: the basic controls
To take a penalty in FIFA 22, aim with the Left Stick and shoot by pressing and holding the Shoot button (Circle on PlayStation, B on Xbox). This is the core input sequence you need for every spot kick, so commit it to muscle memory before worrying about advanced moves.
When the referee blows the whistle, you control everything from the ball’s placement to the run-up. The aiming circle shows your target, and the power bar appears above the kicker’s head as you hold the button. Release to strike, and the ball flies toward the selected corner. For a standard penalty, that’s all there is to it, but to consistently beat keepers, you need to understand how the game’s mechanics reward precision.
Mastering the aiming circle and shot power
The aiming circle is your best friend, but its size changes based on your kicker’s Penalties attribute. A higher rating means a smaller circle, which translates to tighter placement and less chance of skying the ball. Before you even press shoot, nudge the Left Stick to the corner you want, low and hard to the bottom corners is usually the safest bet, while upper corners require more power but risk hitting the post or over the bar.
Power is a delicate balance. Hold the Shoot button too briefly, and you’ll roll a weak shot that the keeper saves easily. Hold it too long, and the ball sails into row Z. The sweet spot is around three-quarters of the power bar for a driven shot. For a more controlled placement, aim for about half power, this gives you enough pace to beat the keeper without sacrificing accuracy. Practice in the arena or skill games to feel how different power levels affect the ball’s trajectory.
Advanced penalty techniques: timed finishing, finesse, and chip shots
To add a lethal layer of unpredictability, use Timed Finishing by double-tapping the Shoot button. The second tap should land just as your player’s foot makes contact with the ball, a green flash above the kicker’s head indicates perfect timing, boosting both accuracy and power. A red or yellow flash means mistimed contact, and your shot will likely drag wide or straight into the keeper’s arms. This mechanic is enabled by default, but you can turn it off in Controller Settings under the Customize tab if you prefer a simpler approach.
For a curving effort that bends around the keeper, hold R1 (PlayStation) or RB (Xbox) while pressing Shoot. This Finesse Shot is devastating when aimed at the top corner from an angle. Alternatively, a delicate Chip Shot, hold L1 (PlayStation) or LB (Xbox) while shooting, lobs the ball over a diving keeper, perfect for when they commit early. Both techniques work best with lower power (around half) and precise aim, so don’t spam them without practice.
How to deceive the goalkeeper with a stutter run-up
To freeze the keeper and buy yourself an extra split second, press L2 (PlayStation) or LT (Xbox) during the run-up. This triggers a stutter step, a brief hesitation that breaks your approach’s rhythm. The keeper may lean one way or commit early, leaving the opposite side of the goal exposed. Time your actual shot right after the stutter, and you’ll often find the net with ease. This trick works best against aggressive keepers who try to guess your direction, so use it sparingly to keep them honest.
Pre-penalty setup: changing kicker, position, and the aim indicator
Before you even start the run-up, you have options. To select a different penalty taker, press R2 (PlayStation) or the equivalent on Xbox/PC (LControl on PC). This opens a selection wheel where you can choose a player with a higher Penalties attribute for a smaller aiming circle. You can also reposition the kicker using the Right Stick, move them left or right along the penalty spot to change the angle of your run-up, which can open up new shooting angles.
If the aiming circle feels like a crutch, toggle it off by pressing D-pad Up (or the Up Arrow on PC). This forces you to rely on manual aim, which is riskier but can confuse keepers who read the indicator. Practice with the indicator off in friendlies to build confidence. For PC players, aiming uses the mouse movement, while shooting is LMB (or LShift + d for a low shot). The same principles apply, just different inputs.
Full penalty control reference for all platforms
| Action | PlayStation | Xbox | PC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aim shot | Left Stick | Left Stick | Mouse Movement |
| Shoot (hold for power) | Circle | B | LMB |
| Timed Finishing (double-tap) | Circle, Circle | B, B | LMB, LMB |
| Finesse Shot | R1 + Circle | RB + B | RMB + LMB |
| Chip Shot | L1 + Circle | LB + B | LShift + LMB |
| Stutter run-up | L2 | LT | LShift |
| Move kicker position | Right Stick | Right Stick | Mouse Movement |
| Select kick taker | R2 | RT | LControl |
| Toggle aim indicator | D-pad Up | D-pad Up | Up Arrow |
| Low shot (downward header) | L1 + R1 + Circle | LB + RB + B | LShift + d + LMB |
That table covers every input you need, but remember: the best penalty takers in FIFA 22 don’t just know the buttons, they read the keeper. Watch the goalkeeper’s movement during the run-up. If they dive early, aim the other way. If they stay central, place the ball low to a corner. Combine this with Timed Finishing and a stutter step, and you’ll convert from the spot with confidence. The final piece is mental: pick your spot before you start your run, commit to it, and don’t second-guess yourself mid-strike. That decisiveness is what separates a saved penalty from a goal.
