Hey guys, if you're a fan of PES 2013, then you know how crucial free kicks can be in winning matches. A well-placed free kick can turn the tide of the game, snatch a victory, or simply demoralize your opponent. That's why I'm here to give you the lowdown on how to score free kicks in PES 2013, turning you into a set-piece specialist! We'll cover everything from the basics of aiming and power to advanced techniques and the art of deception. Get ready to elevate your game and dominate the pitch with your free-kick prowess! Let's get started.

Understanding the Basics: Aiming, Power, and Curve

Alright, so before we dive into the fancy stuff, let's nail down the fundamentals. Mastering free kicks in PES 2013 starts with understanding the core elements: aiming, power, and curve. Think of these as the holy trinity of free-kick execution. Get these right, and you'll be well on your way to adding some beautiful goals to your highlight reel. First, the most important is aiming, consider it like the compass of your free kick. The game provides a visual guide, a dotted line showing where the ball is headed. Use this, but don't blindly trust it! Factor in the position of your kicker relative to the goal and any potential obstacles, like the wall of players. Consider the type of player you are using and what foot they use to kick the ball. Curve is another important element, and this is where you can start to get creative. By holding the appropriate direction on the left stick as you strike the ball, you can make it swerve in the air, bending it around the wall or even dipping it right under the crossbar. It takes practice to judge how much curve to apply, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to bend the ball with precision. Finally, there's the element of power. The longer you hold down the shot button, the more power you apply to the kick. However, more power doesn't always equal a goal. If you're too close to the goal, you may need to use less power to keep the ball from flying over the crossbar. If you are further away you may need to apply more. It's a delicate balance. The amount of power you use also affects the ball's trajectory, so experiment to find the right combination of power and curve for each situation. This takes practice, so don't get discouraged if your first few attempts end up in the stands. With patience and persistence, you'll soon be scoring free kicks like a pro, and watching your free-kick stats skyrocket.

Aiming for Success

Precise aiming is the bedrock of a successful free kick. Before taking the shot, carefully assess the situation. Observe the position of the wall, the goalkeeper's stance, and the distance to the goal. You want to aim where the keeper isn't, and the best place for your ball to hit. Use the dotted line as a guideline, but remember to factor in the curve you intend to apply. If you're curling the ball, you'll need to aim slightly to the side to compensate. The height you want to aim for is also important. Aiming for the upper corners of the goal is often the most effective strategy, as it gives the keeper less time to react. If you're a beginner, start by aiming straight at the goal and gradually introduce curve as you become more comfortable. It's a journey, not a sprint, so practice these techniques and soon enough you'll be hitting the target every time, improving your free-kick conversion rate, and winning games.

Power and Precision: The Perfect Balance

Alright, let's talk about the sweet spot between power and precision. Finding the right balance is like finding the perfect seasoning for a dish – too little, and it's bland; too much, and it's ruined. In PES 2013, the power bar is your key to unlocking this balance. The further you are from the goal, the more power you'll need, but always remember that power isn't everything. Too much power, and the ball might sail over the crossbar or fly wide of the post. Too little, and it'll be easily saved by the keeper or blocked by the wall. Practice is key. Start by experimenting with different power levels at various distances from the goal. Pay attention to the ball's trajectory and adjust your power accordingly. Also, remember to factor in the curve you're applying. A ball with a lot of curve might require a bit less power, as the curve itself will help guide it towards the goal. The best free-kick takers in PES 2013, and in the real world, have mastered the art of power control. They know how to apply just the right amount of force to get the ball exactly where they want it to go. With time, you'll develop this intuition too.

Mastering the Curve

The curve is the magic wand of free kicks, allowing you to bend the ball around the wall and into the net. This technique can turn a seemingly impossible shot into a glorious goal. The key to curving the ball is to use the left stick while shooting. Press and hold the stick in the direction you want the ball to curve. For example, if you want the ball to bend from right to left, hold the left stick to the left while you kick. The degree of the curve depends on how long you hold the stick and the player's kicking ability. Experiment with different curve amounts to see what works best for your player and the situation. Some players are better at curving the ball than others. Players with high curve stats will be able to bend the ball more dramatically. Don't be afraid to try different types of curves. You can curve the ball around the wall, dip it under the crossbar, or even swerve it away from the keeper. This technique is what separates the casual players from the experts. And, remember, practice is key! So get out there, practice your free kicks, and start scoring some stunning goals.

Advanced Techniques: Deception and Special Shots

Okay, guys, now that we've covered the basics, let's dive into some advanced techniques that will take your free-kick game to the next level. We're talking about deception, special shots, and those little tricks that can catch your opponent off guard. Get ready to unleash your inner set-piece artist! This section is all about the art of surprise and precision. Let's see how these are performed.

The Knuckleball Technique

The Knuckleball is a shot that will make the ball move erratically through the air, making it hard for the goalkeeper to predict where it will end up. To do this in PES 2013, you need to execute the shot with minimal spin. As you press the shoot button, press and hold R1/RB. You should use a good bit of power to get the ball up and over the wall. This shot is especially effective against keepers who are prone to making mistakes. You can use it from any angle, but it's usually more effective from a longer distance, giving the ball more time to move unpredictably. The knuckleball is a great way to catch your opponent off guard, and it can be a real game-changer in those crucial moments.

The Driven Free Kick

The Driven Free Kick is all about power and accuracy. The idea is to hit the ball with maximum force, keeping it low and hard to save. To execute a driven free kick, you want to fill the power bar and aim just under the crossbar. It's most effective from a short distance and requires precise aiming. The key to this technique is timing. You want to time your shot so that it clears the wall but doesn't fly over the goal. This shot is best used when you're close to the goal. The ball will travel quickly, and the keeper will have little time to react. The driven free kick is a direct and effective way to score goals. With practice, you'll be able to master it.

The Dummy Run

The Dummy Run is a deception tactic where you use a teammate to confuse the opposition. Before taking the free kick, position a teammate near the ball. Then, before you shoot, have them run over the ball without touching it. This can distract the wall and create an opening for your kicker. To perform the dummy run, press the button that corresponds to the player, while pressing the shoot button. This technique can be a great way to throw off the keeper and the wall. It can be particularly effective when you have a skilled free-kick taker and a teammate with good movement. The dummy run adds an extra layer of complexity to your free kicks. Mastering this technique can help you outsmart your opponent. Use the dummy run wisely, and it can become a powerful tool in your free-kick arsenal.

Player Selection and Attributes

Alright, now that we've covered the techniques, let's talk about the players themselves. Not all players are created equal when it comes to free kicks. Choosing the right player can make a huge difference in your success rate. Let's dig into the attributes that make a great free-kick taker and see how to select the best player for the job.

Key Attributes

Several key attributes determine a player's free-kick ability. Free Kick Accuracy is the most obvious one; it directly impacts how precise your shots are. Higher accuracy means you're more likely to hit the target. The Curve attribute affects how much you can bend the ball. Players with high curve stats can create more dramatic swerves and bend the ball around the wall. Shot Power determines the power behind your shots, which is crucial for getting the ball over the wall and into the net, especially from long distances. The Technique attribute influences the player's overall skill and control, affecting how well they can execute the various free-kick techniques. Also, the player's Weak Foot Accuracy is an important aspect. If a player is taking the free kick with their weak foot, their accuracy will be greatly reduced, so make sure to select a player who's strong on their dominant foot.

Player Recommendations

Who are the best players for free kicks in PES 2013? Several players stand out. Andrea Pirlo, famous for his pinpoint accuracy and exceptional curve, is a great choice. Xavi is another excellent choice, known for his precision and ability to control the ball. Ronaldinho is legendary for his incredible free-kick skills, providing both power and curve. Cristiano Ronaldo is also an excellent choice, thanks to his powerful shots and curve. Lionel Messi is also another great choice, with good power and accuracy. If you can, try to have these players take the free kicks. This makes all the difference in achieving the goal.

Practice Drills and Tips for Improvement

Okay, guys, it's time to put your skills to the test! No matter how many tutorials you watch, the real key to mastering free kicks in PES 2013 is practice. Here are some practice drills and tips to help you hone your skills and become a free-kick master. Remember, consistency is key, and the more you practice, the more confident you'll become. So, let's get you on the right track!

Practice Drills

One effective drill is to set up free kicks from various distances and angles. This will help you get a feel for how the power and curve affect the ball's trajectory. Start with simple shots and gradually increase the difficulty. Focus on hitting the target consistently. Another useful drill is to practice curving the ball around the wall. Set up a wall of players and try to bend the ball over and around them. Experiment with different amounts of curve to see what works best. Always try practicing the knuckleball to make sure you have the basics down. Always be mindful of the position of the goalkeeper and the wall. These drills will help you develop muscle memory and improve your shot accuracy. Set a timer and make it a daily routine to practice these drills. You will notice significant improvements. The more you practice, the better you'll become.

Additional Tips for Improvement

Watch replays. After each free kick, watch the replay to analyze what went right or wrong. Did the ball go over the crossbar? Did it curl too much or not enough? Understanding your mistakes is the first step to improvement. Vary your shots. Don't be predictable. Mix up your free kicks by using different techniques, power levels, and curves. This will keep your opponent guessing. Consider the wind. If there is wind, it can affect the ball's trajectory, so adjust your aim accordingly. Stay calm. Free kicks can be high-pressure situations, so stay calm and focused. Take a deep breath and concentrate on your technique. Use different players. Experiment with different players to find the ones whose free-kick style suits you best. Keep practicing! The more you practice, the more comfortable and confident you'll become. With these tips and a little bit of dedication, you'll be scoring free-kick goals in no time, and winning every match. Remember, the journey to free-kick mastery is a marathon, not a sprint.

Conclusion: Scoring Free Kicks Like a Pro!

Alright, folks, we've covered a lot of ground today. From the fundamentals of aiming, power, and curve, to advanced techniques like the knuckleball and dummy run, you now have the tools you need to master free kicks in PES 2013. Remember that practice is key. Keep experimenting with different techniques, and don't be afraid to take risks. With a little bit of dedication and the tips we've discussed, you'll be scoring free kicks like a pro in no time! So, go out there, practice your free kicks, and start dominating the pitch with your newfound set-piece skills. Good luck, and happy gaming! Now, go out there and show off your skills!