How to Knee Slide in Soccer: Step-by-Step Guide to Slide on Your Knees

In this post, I’ll tell you EXACTLY how to do a knee slide celebration in soccer.

You must have seen soccer players slide on their knees to celebrate a goal. It’s a very common celebration, after all.

But the knee slide celebration is a risky one. If you don’t have the right technique, it can result in an injury.

Or worse, it could become an embarrassing moment on a ‘fails compilation’.

Like this one.

So, if you want to MASTER the technique of a knee slide in soccer, you’ve come to the right place.

Let’s dive right in!

How to Slide on Your Knees in Soccer

Before you think about anything else, you must ensure that the conditions are right for a knee slide.

Make sure the conditions are right

This means that the field should be smooth and grassy. You don’t want to be sliding on a rocky or rough surface.

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The field should also be properly watered. It should neither be dry nor too muddy.

Then it’s also a good idea to wear shin guards before doing a knee slide celebration. It will protect your shins from scratches and scrapes.

With this out of the way, it’s safe for you to slide on your knees.

Here’s how to do it.

Step-by-step guide to do a knee slide in soccer

To do a knee slide in soccer, you should follow these steps:

After scoring a goal, run a few steps toward the direction you want to slide. You want to have enough momentum to slide a few feet.

Now drop to your knees after gaining enough momentum. Make sure that you don’t launch yourself too high before landing. This is a common mistake that a lot of players do.

When sliding on your knee, as your knee hits the ground, pull your upper body backward.

Then, pull your upper body back. As your knee hits the ground, pull your upper body backward. This will distribute momentum evenly and give you balance.

Don’t put all the weight on your knees. Keep your weight distributed between your knees and your shoes to maintain balance.

Finally, you can also express your style during the slide. You can use different twists or poses to add spice to your celebration.

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Remember to practice sliding on your knees before trying it in a match. You wouldn’t want to test your sliding skills for the first time in front of a crowd.

The Longest Knee Slide in Soccer History

Unfortunately, there are no official records for knee slides in soccer.

But you must have seen the viral video “The longest knee slide ever”.

It wasn’t from an actual soccer match but an ad run by the insurance company Geico. The message of the ad was that “as long as soccer players celebrate with a slide, Geico will keep saving your money“.

That said, here’s a compilation of the most iconic knee slides in soccer.

FAQs About Soccer Players Sliding on Their Knees

How do soccer players slide so easily on their knees?

Soccer players slide easily on their knees due to the momentum gained while running, combined with the low friction of the grass or turf. It minimizes discomfort and allows for a smooth slide.

Does it hurt when footballers knee slide?

A knee slide doesn’t hurt because players wear protective gear like shin guards. The sliding surface (grass or turf) is also soft. But, improper technique or abrasive surfaces can cause minor discomfort.

Thank You For Reading

So I hope you enjoyed learning how to do a knee slide celebration in soccer. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.

Your support and sharing of this content can help us reach a wider audience. It can also provide valuable information to more people who share our passion for the beautiful game.

I’d also like to hear what you have to say…

What’s your go-to celebration after scoring a goal?

Have you ever tried sliding on your knees? Did it work perfectly?

Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below right now!

And thank you for supporting Soccer Mavericks!

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