Hey guys! So, you want to become a penalty-taking maestro in FIFA 19? You've come to the right place. Scoring penalties in FIFA 19 can be the difference between victory and defeat, whether you're battling it out in Ultimate Team, Career Mode, or just having a friendly match with your buddies. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to smash those penalties into the back of the net consistently. We’ll cover everything from player selection and aiming to power and composure, ensuring you’re well-equipped to handle the pressure of the penalty spot. So, grab your controller, and let’s dive in!

Understanding the Basics of Penalty Kicks in FIFA 19

When it comes to FIFA 19 penalty kicks, understanding the core mechanics is crucial. The penalty system in FIFA 19 is quite intuitive but mastering it requires practice and a keen understanding of the controls and factors at play. First off, you need to know the basic button layout. Typically, you'll use the shoot button (usually B on Xbox or Circle on PlayStation) to take the shot. The left stick controls the direction in which you aim, and the power bar determines the strength of your shot. Easy enough, right? Well, there's more to it than just that.

Player selection is another fundamental aspect. Not all players are created equal when it comes to penalties. Look for players with high penalty stats, composure, and shot power. These attributes directly influence the accuracy and power of your shots. A player with low composure might buckle under pressure, sending the ball flying over the bar, while a player with poor shot power might not be able to generate enough force to beat the goalkeeper. Before stepping up to the spot, take a quick peek at your player's stats. This can give you a significant advantage. For example, a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, known for his incredible shot power and composure, would be an excellent choice for taking penalties. Conversely, a defender with low attacking stats might not be the best option.

Aiming is perhaps the most critical part of taking a penalty. Before you even think about power, you need to decide where you want to place the ball. Use the left stick to aim your shot towards the corners of the goal. Keep in mind that the further you aim from the center, the higher the risk of missing. It’s a delicate balance between accuracy and risk. Many players prefer aiming for the side netting, as it’s a difficult spot for the keeper to reach. However, this requires precise aiming and a good amount of power. Practice aiming in the training arena to get a feel for the sensitivity of the left stick. Small adjustments can make a big difference. Also, be mindful of the player's shooting foot. A right-footed player will naturally curve the ball slightly to the left when aiming to the right corner, and vice versa. Adjust your aim accordingly to compensate for this curve.

Mastering the Power Bar and Timing

The power bar in FIFA 19 is your best friend, but also your worst enemy if you don’t know how to handle it. The power bar determines how hard you strike the ball. Too little power, and the keeper will make an easy save; too much, and you'll send the ball into the stands. The ideal power level is usually around 60-80%, but this can vary depending on the player’s shot power stat and the distance you’re aiming from the center of the goal. Practice makes perfect here. Spend some time in the training arena, experimenting with different power levels to see how they affect the shot's trajectory.

Timing is also crucial. The timing of your shot affects its accuracy. If you press the shoot button too early or too late, you risk miskicking the ball. The sweet spot is right when the player plants their non-kicking foot. This ensures a clean strike and maximizes your chances of scoring. Pay attention to the player's animation and try to time your shot accordingly. Some players find it helpful to use a visual cue, such as the player's leg reaching a certain point in its swing. Others rely on muscle memory and instinct. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for you. Remember, consistency is key. The more you practice, the more consistent you'll become with your timing.

Composure plays a significant role in the accuracy of your penalties. Players with high composure are less likely to be affected by the pressure of the situation. This means they can maintain their focus and execute their shots with precision. On the other hand, players with low composure might become nervous and rush their shots, leading to errors. Keep an eye on your player's composure stat when selecting your penalty taker. If you're in a high-stakes match, it's generally a good idea to choose a player with high composure, even if their penalty stat isn't the highest. The ability to stay calm under pressure can make all the difference.

Advanced Techniques for Scoring Penalties

Ready to take your FIFA 19 penalty skills to the next level? Here are some advanced techniques that can give you an edge. One popular technique is the delayed shot. This involves holding the shoot button for a brief moment before releasing it. The idea is to throw off the keeper's timing and make them commit to a dive early. To perform a delayed shot, hold the shoot button for about half a second before releasing it. This requires practice to get the timing right, but it can be incredibly effective. Another advanced technique is the finesse shot. By holding the R1 button (on PlayStation) or RB button (on Xbox) while shooting, you can add curve to your shot. This can be useful for bending the ball around the keeper or placing it just inside the post. Finesse shots require precise aiming and a moderate amount of power. Too much power, and the ball will sail wide; too little, and the keeper will make an easy save.

Another trick is to watch the goalkeeper's movements. Before you take your shot, observe the keeper's positioning and tendencies. Do they tend to dive early? Do they favor a particular side? Use this information to your advantage. If the keeper consistently dives to the left, aim your shot to the right. If they tend to stay in the center, aim for the corners. This requires quick thinking and good observation skills, but it can significantly increase your chances of scoring. Some players even try to psych out the keeper by using subtle body language or changing their run-up at the last moment. However, be careful not to get too fancy, as this can backfire and throw off your own timing.

Ultimately, the best way to improve your penalty-taking skills is to practice, practice, practice. Spend time in the training arena, experimenting with different techniques and finding what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try new things and push your limits. The more comfortable you become with the penalty system, the more confident you'll be in high-pressure situations. And remember, even the best penalty takers miss sometimes. Don't get discouraged if you miss a few shots along the way. Just learn from your mistakes and keep practicing.

Goalkeeper Tips: How to Save Penalties

Alright, so we’ve talked about scoring, but what about saving penalties? Being a good goalkeeper in FIFA 19 penalty shootouts is just as important as being a good penalty taker. The key is to anticipate the shooter's movements and react quickly. First, watch the player's body language. Are they looking to one side of the goal? Are they taking a long run-up? These cues can give you an indication of where they're planning to shoot. However, be careful not to rely too heavily on these cues, as skilled players might try to deceive you.

Another technique is to try to psyche out the shooter. Move your goalkeeper around in the goal to make them second-guess their shot. You can do this by using the left stick to move your keeper from side to side. However, be careful not to move too much, as this can make it harder to react to the shot. The goal is to create a sense of uncertainty in the shooter's mind. You can also try to guess which way the shooter is going to go and dive in that direction. This requires a bit of luck and intuition, but it can be very effective. To dive, use the left stick to choose the direction and then press the dive button (usually X on Xbox or Square on PlayStation). Be sure to time your dive correctly, as diving too early or too late will reduce your chances of making the save.

Practice your reflexes. The faster you can react to the shot, the better your chances of making the save. Spend time in the training arena, practicing saving penalties. Try to anticipate the shooter's movements and dive in the correct direction as quickly as possible. The more you practice, the better your reflexes will become. Also, be aware of your goalkeeper's stats. Keepers with high reflexes and diving stats are more likely to make saves. When you're in a penalty shootout, it's generally a good idea to choose a keeper with high stats in these areas.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Art of Penalties in FIFA 19

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know to dominate penalties in FIFA 19. From understanding the basic mechanics to mastering advanced techniques, this guide has covered it all. Remember, the key to success is practice, patience, and a cool head under pressure. Whether you're aiming for the top spot in Ultimate Team or just trying to win a friendly match with your friends, mastering penalties can give you a significant advantage. So go out there, put these tips into practice, and start banging in those penalties like a pro! With enough practice, you'll become a penalty-taking machine, striking fear into the hearts of your opponents. Now go get 'em, tiger!