Convince the defender you're about to shoot or pass. The moment they commit, attack the space they leave behind.
A fake shot is a deception move where you begin your shooting or passing motion without striking the ball.
Instead, you stop the kicking motion just before contact, keep possession, and quickly push the ball into open space.
The goal isn't to fake for the sake of faking.
The goal is to force the defender to react so you can attack the space they leave behind.
Defenders are trained to stop dangerous actions.
When they believe a shot or pass is coming, they naturally:
• Step toward the ball
• Turn their body to block
• Plant their feet
• Shift their weight
That brief reaction creates the opening you're looking for.
A believable fake creates space without needing a complicated skill move.
The fake must represent a real threat. If you fake a shot from 40 yards away with no chance of scoring, experienced defenders won't react. Choose moments where a shot or pass is genuinely possible. The more believable the danger, the stronger the defender's reaction.
Before performing the fake shot:
✓ Stay on your tippy toes
✓ Keep your knees bent
✓ Lean slightly forward
✓ Keep the ball close enough to control
✓ Keep your head up
Staying light on your feet allows you to change direction immediately after the fake.
Flat-footed players lose valuable time during the acceleration.
Step 1:
Dribble toward the defender under control.
Step 2:
Plant your non-kicking foot beside the ball just like you would for a real shot.
Step 3:
Swing your shooting leg naturally.
Your body, shoulders, and eyes should all sell the shot.
Step 4:
Before making contact, stop the swing and keep possession.
Step 5:
Use the inside or outside of your foot to push the ball into space.
Step 6:
Explode away for your next 3–5 steps.
Acceleration is what turns the fake into an advantage.
Practice the shooting motion without a defender. Focus on making every fake look identical to a real shot. Complete 30 repetitions.
Dribble toward a cone. Perform the fake shot. Explode left or right. Repeat 20 times each direction.
Practice against a passive defender. The defender should react to the fake before increasing pressure. Once comfortable, perform the move at match speed.
❌ Your Fake Isn't Believable
A fake shot only works if the defender believes you are actually going to shoot or play a dangerous pass.
Slow your approach slightly, plant your foot correctly, and swing your leg with confidence.
If your body doesn't sell the shot, the defender won't react.
❌ No Threat = No Reaction
Imagine you're 40 yards from goal with no teammates making runs.
A fake shot in that situation isn't dangerous, so experienced defenders will stay balanced.
Instead, use the move when a real shot or pass is possible.
The more dangerous you look, the stronger the defender's reaction.
❌ Standing Flat-Footed
Stay on your tippy toes with your knees bent.
Being light on your feet allows you to change direction immediately after the fake.
❌ Forgetting To Explode
The fake creates the opening.
Your acceleration takes advantage of it.
Without an explosive first few steps, the defender can recover.
❌ Looking At The Ball
Keep your head up.
Sell the shot with your eyes and body while reading the defender's movement.
The fake shot is most effective near the attacking third where defenders expect a shot or dangerous pass.
Use it when:
✅ You're approaching the penalty area
✅ A defender is closing you down
✅ A shooting lane appears open
✅ You want to create space for a cross or pass
✅ You're isolated in a 1v1
Avoid using it when:
❌ You're under heavy pressure from multiple defenders
❌ There is no space to accelerate into
❌ The defender is already backing away
Kylian Mbappé regularly uses the fake shot to create separation before attacking goal.
His success comes from three key habits:
1. Believable Body Shape
Every fake looks exactly like a real shot or pass.
2. Perfect Timing
He waits until the defender begins to block before changing direction.
3. Explosive First Steps
Once the defender commits, Mbappé accelerates immediately.
The fake creates the opening.
His speed makes it count.
Don't perform a fake shot because you planned to. Perform it because the defender gives you a reason to. Great attackers read defenders first, then choose the correct move.
Complete:
✓ 30 fake shots without losing control
✓ 20 fake shot + explode repetitions to the left
✓ 20 fake shot + explode repetitions to the right
✓ Beat a cone defender 20 times
✓ Successfully use the move against a live defender
Remember:
The fake creates the opportunity.
Your acceleration finishes the move.