FC 28 Penalty Shootout Tips — Win Every Penalty in FUT

Penalty Basics

Penalty shootouts in FC 28 come down to three elements: direction, power, and timing. The taker uses the left stick to aim and the shoot button to control power. The goalkeeper uses the left stick to dive in a direction. Understanding the mechanics of both sides gives you control over the outcome rather than leaving it to chance.

The penalty system in FC 28 uses a composed shot mechanism. Your aiming reticle is visible to you but not to your opponent. The reticle moves based on your left stick input during the run-up, and the ball follows that trajectory. Power is determined by how long you hold the shoot button — too much power sends the ball over the bar, too little makes the save easy for the keeper.

Green timed finishing works on penalties in FC 28. If you activate timed finishing and hit the green zone, your penalty becomes significantly more accurate and powerful. This is an advanced technique that requires practice but offers a massive advantage in high-pressure moments.

Taking Technique

Standard Penalties

For standard penalties, follow this process:

1. Before starting your run-up, decide your direction. Do not change mid-run.
2. Move the left stick toward your chosen corner — not fully to the side, approximately 60-70% of the maximum stick deflection.
3. Fill the power bar to approximately 2-2.5 bars. This puts the ball at mid-height, the hardest area for keepers to cover.
4. Release the shoot button and hold your aiming direction steady until the ball is struck.

Low Driven Penalties

The most effective technique. Hold L1/LB while shooting to produce a low driven shot that stays on the ground and travels faster. Low driven penalties give the goalkeeper the least reaction time because:

• The ball stays below the keeper’s center of mass
• The ball speed is higher than a standard placement shot
• Corner-aimed low driven shots are physically impossible for the GK to save if placed correctly

Chip Penalties

The ultimate disrespect move. Hold L1/LB + shoot with minimal power to chip the ball down the center. This only works if the keeper dives to a side. Extremely risky — if the keeper stays central, it is a guaranteed save. Use only when you are confident your opponent always commits to a side.

Goalkeeper Saves

Saving penalties as the goalkeeper requires reading your opponent and committing at the right time:

• Pre-move: Before the taker starts their run, you can move the keeper left or right using the left stick. Small movements can bait the taker into changing direction. Be subtle — big movements look obvious.
• Dive timing: Move the left stick in your chosen direction just as the taker reaches the ball. Too early and the taker sees your dive; too late and you miss the ball.
• Stay center option: Do not dive. Some takers always aim center, and staying put guarantees a save. This is also effective against chip attempts.
• Star saves (Triangle/Y): Press the dive/star save button while holding a direction for a more dramatic diving save that covers more area. Useful for covering the top corners.

Better players make better penalty takers. Buy FUT coins and get players with 90+ composure and penalties stats.

Advanced Techniques

The Stutter Step

During your run-up, pull the left stick backwards briefly. This causes your taker to stutter, which may panic the opposing goalkeeper into committing their dive direction early. If you see the keeper commit, aim to the opposite side. Practice this in the Skill Games arena first — the timing window is tight.

Aiming After the Dive

This is the most advanced penalty technique. Start your run with neutral aiming (center), watch for the keeper to commit to a side, then quickly flick the stick to the opposite corner. This requires fast reactions and can result in a mis-hit if your timing is off, but it is nearly unsavable when executed properly.

Power Management

Penalty Psychology

The mental game is half the battle in penalty shootouts:

• Pattern recognition: Most players fall into patterns. If your opponent goes left twice, they are likely to go right next. Pay attention to their choices throughout the shootout.
• Composure under pressure: Stick to your pre-decided direction. Players who change direction mid-run based on panic almost always miss or produce a weak shot.
• Vary your approach: Never take two penalties the same way. Alternate between low driven and placed shots, left and right sides. Unpredictability is your greatest asset.
• Pressure points: When the shootout is on a deciding penalty (4-3, must score), most players choke and aim center. As goalkeeper, stay center on these decisive penalties.

Common Mistakes

• Overpowering: The most common mistake. Players press the shoot button too long and send the ball into Row Z. Keep power under 3 bars for reliable accuracy.
• Aiming too extreme: Pushing the stick fully to one side puts the ball wide of the post. Aim at approximately 60-70% stick deflection for the perfect corner placement.
• Watching the keeper instead of aiming: Your eyes should be on your own aiming reticle, not the goalkeeper. Unless you are attempting the advanced reaction technique, focus on your own shot.
• Always choosing the same side: Human bias makes most people favor their stronger side. Consciously track your penalty directions and force variety.
• Diving too early as keeper: Wait for the taker to reach the ball before committing. Early dives give away your direction and allow the taker to change aim.

For more gameplay improvement, check our defending guide and the Weekend League strategy guide.

Frequently Asked Questions