The Basic Button Combination for a Bicycle Kick

To perform a bicycle kick in FC 25, hold L1 (on PlayStation) or LB (on Xbox) and press shoot while your player is in the air. The shoot button is Circle on PlayStation or B on Xbox. Your player must be airborne—either from a jump, a header attempt, or falling backward—for the game to register the input as a bicycle kick rather than a regular shot.

The timing matters more than you might expect. If you press shoot while your player's feet are on the ground, you'll get a normal shot. The bicycle kick only triggers when your player is already off the ground, so practice recognizing the moment when your player leaves the turf. This usually happens naturally when you're contesting a high ball or when the ball is played above head height.

Not every player can execute a bicycle kick with the same success rate. Players with higher Acrobatics and Shooting stats are more likely to pull off the move cleanly and direct it toward goal. A striker with 85+ Shooting and 80+ Acrobatics will attempt the kick more reliably than a defender with lower stats.

Key Takeaways

  • Hold L1 or LB and press Circle or B while your player is airborne to trigger a bicycle kick.
  • Your player must be in the air—jumping for a header, falling backward, or contesting a high ball—for the input to work.
  • Players with higher Acrobatics and Shooting stats execute bicycle kicks more consistently and with better accuracy.
  • Bicycle kicks are risky in the box because a mistimed attempt often results in a weak shot or a turnover.
  • Practice the timing in Squad Battles on lower difficulties before using it in competitive matches.

When to Attempt a Bicycle Kick

A bicycle kick works best when the ball is coming from behind your player or when it's dropping from above at a steep angle. If a cross comes in high and your striker is facing away from goal, a bicycle kick can catch the goalkeeper off guard because the shot comes from an unexpected angle. The move is most effective in the box when you have space and time—not when defenders are pressing you tightly.

Avoid attempting bicycle kicks when you're under pressure or when the ball is at a low height. A defender closing you down will often block the shot or force a poor connection. Similarly, if the ball is rolling along the ground or at shin height, the bicycle kick input won't trigger, and you'll waste the opportunity. Save the move for situations where the ball is genuinely above your player's head.

The move is also useful for clearing danger when you're defending. If a high ball is coming toward your goal and your defender is in the right position, a bicycle kick clearance can send the ball far upfield and away from danger faster than a normal clearance.

Common Mistakes That Ruin the Attempt

The most frequent error is pressing shoot while your player is still on the ground. This results in a regular shot instead of a bicycle kick, and the ball often goes wide or straight to the goalkeeper. Always wait until you see your player's feet leave the ground before inputting the command. If you're too early, the move won't trigger.

Another mistake is attempting a bicycle kick when defenders are right on top of you. The animation takes time, and a defender will block the shot or slide in to intercept. Bicycle kicks are flashy but slow—they leave you vulnerable. Use them only when you have a yard or two of space and the goalkeeper is out of position.

Players also fail by using bicycle kicks with low-rated strikers. A forward with 70 Shooting and 65 Acrobatics will miss the target far more often than a 90-rated striker. The lower the stats, the more likely the shot goes wide or weak. Check your player's card before committing to the move in a tight match.

How to Set Up the Right Conditions

To create a bicycle kick opportunity, look for crosses from the wing that are played high and behind your striker. A driven cross from a fullback or winger is ideal because it naturally puts the ball above head height. Position your striker in the box so the cross reaches him with space around him, not crowded by defenders.

You can also create the setup by playing a through ball that bounces off a defender or the goalkeeper, sending it high into the air. If your striker is running onto the ball and it bounces up, he may be in the air when the ball reaches him—the perfect moment for a bicycle kick. Lob passes also work well because they naturally put the ball in the air.

In Squad Battles, lower-difficulty opponents often leave gaps in the box and don't press as aggressively, making it easier to find the space and time needed for a bicycle kick. Use these matches to practice the timing and positioning before trying it in Division Rivals or Weekend League.

Bicycle Kicks vs. Other Aerial Shots

FC 25 gives you several options for shooting while airborne. A regular aerial shot (just pressing shoot in the air) is faster and more reliable but less powerful. A header (holding shoot) is the most natural option for balls at head height. A bicycle kick is the riskiest but can produce spectacular goals and catch keepers off guard because of the unusual angle.

Choose a bicycle kick only when you're confident in the space and your player's stats. If you're unsure, a regular aerial shot or header is the safer play. The difference in power between a bicycle kick and a header is noticeable, but only if the bicycle kick connects cleanly. A mistimed bicycle kick is worse than any other shot type.

Practice Drills to Master the Timing

Start in Squad Battles on Semi-Pro or Professional difficulty. Play matches where you focus only on creating crossing situations and attempting bicycle kicks. Don't worry about winning—focus on recognizing when your player is airborne and executing the input at the right moment. Play 5 to 10 matches with this single goal in mind.

Once you're comfortable with the timing, move to Squad Battles on higher difficulties. The AI will defend more aggressively, forcing you to find better positions and timing. After that, try the move in Division Rivals matches where the stakes are higher but the competition is still manageable. By the time you reach Weekend League, the bicycle kick should feel natural.

Record a few of your attempts on video or in a replay. Watch where your player was positioned, how high the ball was, and whether defenders were nearby. This visual feedback helps you understand the conditions that lead to successful bicycle kicks versus failed attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why isn't my bicycle kick working when I press L1 and shoot?

Your player is likely still on the ground or the ball is too low. Bicycle kicks only trigger when your player is airborne and the ball is above head height. Wait for your player's feet to leave the ground before pressing shoot. If the ball is rolling along the ground, a bicycle kick won't set up no matter what buttons you press.

Can defenders block a bicycle kick?

Yes. If a defender is close enough, they can slide in or block the shot during the animation. Bicycle kicks take longer to execute than regular shots, so defenders have time to intervene. Always make sure you have space before attempting one.

Do I need a specific player card to do a bicycle kick?

Any player can attempt a bicycle kick, but higher Acrobatics and Shooting stats make it more likely to succeed and more likely to find the target. A 5-star skiller isn't required, but a player with poor stats will miss more often.

Is a bicycle kick more powerful than a regular shot?

A well-executed bicycle kick can be more powerful and harder for the goalkeeper to save because of the angle. However, a mistimed bicycle kick is weaker than a regular shot. The risk-reward depends on your execution and positioning.

Can I do a bicycle kick from outside the box?

Yes, but it's rarely worth it. Bicycle kicks are most effective in the box where the goalkeeper is close and the angle is tight. From distance, a regular shot is more reliable and just as likely to score.