Compared to other sports out there, goals in soccer are harder to come by! When a player finally finds the back of the net and secures the win for their team, it’s a thrilling moment worth celebrating. Throughout the evolution of the beautiful game, soccer players have expressed their joy in different ways, some more often than others. From strikers who score frequently to players who consider scoring goals a rare occurrence, each and every goal brings with it a feeling of excitement. Sometimes, when it comes to big celebrations for soccer players, jumping and cheering just isn’t enough. One of the most iconic and universal ways our favourite players express their joy after a perfect goal is through a classic knee slide. When done correctly, this move can perfectly capture the thrill of scoring. Let’s break down why soccer players choose to slide on their knees and how you can execute the perfect knee slide after your next goal!

Why Do Soccer Players Slide on Their Knees?

When a soccer player scores an exciting goal, their immediate response is often to celebrate with the fans who are cheering them on in the stands. It can be almost instinctual to race towards them and do a knee slide as it’s a smooth, simple move that allows the player to connect with their fans without risking injury. Soccer players also won’t be reprimanded for doing a knee slide, unlike other methods of celebration. For example, pulling off your jersey can result in a yellow card (or even a red card). While it gives managers peace of mind that the player won’t suffer an injury by doing more risky stunts like flips or somersaults.

A soccer player will also opt for a knee slide over other common celebration moves because it feels more exciting for fans to witness than waving, pointing, saluting, dancing, or running around the field. If you’re a die-hard soccer fan, you may have also noticed that many of our favourite players have their own signature moves that they exclusively do. For example, Erling Haaland will do the “Zen” pose and Cole Palmer will rub his arms together as if he’s cold. A soccer player may also do a knee slide simply because they haven’t discovered their own signature move yet.

Believe it or not, a huge factor in a soccer player choosing to perform a knee slide after a big win can be based on weather conditions. The conditions of the pitch are easier to slide on when the grass is slick after rain. A slippery field will allow a player to gain more momentum for the perfect slide, making it almost effortless for them to execute.

How to do the Perfect Knee Slide

A knee-slide may look easy enough, but it requires the right technique to pull it off! Here’s the steps to slide on your knees like the pros:

1.     Good Pitch Conditions

First things first, you need to assess the condition of the pitch to make sure it’s good for sliding. Dry, hard pitches make it harder to slide, so the best conditions are wet, well-watered grass. We recommend you don’t attempt a knee slide on artificial turf as it tends to be too dry.  

2.     Get a Good Head Start

Speed is key when it comes to executing the perfect knee slide. The faster you run when you begin to slide, the further you’ll go. After you score and are preparing to perform the slide, sprint towards the corner flag and ensure you’ve built up enough momentum before you hit the ground.

3.     Bend the Knee

The next thing to consider after you get your speed down is which leg is your dominant one. Your stronger or dominant leg is the one you should first use to initiate the slide. At full speed, start bending your knee until it’s ready to hit the turf.

4.     Bring Down Your Other Knee

As soon as your stronger leg is in position, immediately drop your other knee too. You’re aiming to hit the grass with both knees almost simultaneously. It takes a little practice, but it’s an easy celebration to learn.

5.     Point Your Toes

Once both knees are down, point your toes so they’re facing away from you. This keeps your legs straight and prevents your feet from acting as anchors that could stop your slide prematurely. From the tip of your toes right up to your kneecap, you should now be kneeling as if you’re sitting on a sled.

6.     Complete the Slide

Once you’ve completed the other steps correctly and your knees hit the ground, you should start sliding smoothly across the field. Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if you don’t slide far on your first try. Work on mastering this before your next game so you can execute the perfect knee slide during your celebrations.

By following these steps, you can slide across the field like a true professional and even inspire your teammates to do the same!

In conclusion, the knee slide is so much more than a celebration, it’s a form of expression that allows players to show their joy and excitement of scoring a goal. It’s a simple, yet iconic move that connects soccer stars with their fans during one of the most thrilling moments in a game. The next time you witness a player doing a slide across the pitch, keep in mind how special the gesture truly is!