This is the complete Goals all skill moves list, with every input for PlayStation and Xbox controllers. Skill moves are your primary tool for creating space, beating defenders, and adding a layer of unpredictability to your attack. They are categorized by a 1-star to 5-star rating, which dictates which players have the technical ability to perform them. Mastering these inputs is non-negotiable for competitive play.
This guide breaks down every move by its star requirement. The inputs shown use standard directional notation for the Right Stick (RS) and Left Stick (LS): Up, Down, Left, Right refer to the direction relative to where your player is facing. A "roll" means moving the stick in a curve from the start to the end point, while a "flick" is a quick, sharp input.
Understanding the Skill Move System
Before you start practicing, you need to grasp the core mechanics. Not every player can perform every move, and success is tied directly to player attributes.
- The Star Rating: Every player in Goals has a Skill Move rating from 1 to 5 stars. A player can only perform moves at or below their star level. A 3-star skiller cannot perform a 4-star or 5-star move, but they can perform all 1, 2, and 3-star moves. You can find a player's rating on their profile screen.
- The Right Stick is Key: The vast majority of skill moves are executed using the Right Stick (RS). The Left Stick (LS) is used for your player's movement and to modify certain skills, but the RS is your primary tool for flair.
- Crucial Attributes: While the star rating is the gatekeeper, attributes like Dribbling, Agility, and Balance determine how quickly and effectively a player executes the move. A 5-star player with 95 Dribbling will perform an Elastico far more cleanly than a 5-star player with 80 Dribbling.
1-Star Skill Moves (The Essentials)
Every player on the pitch, including goalkeepers, can perform these basic maneuvers. They are less about beating a man and more about positioning the ball.
| Move Name | PlayStation / Xbox Input | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Juggle (while standing) | Hold L2 / LT + Tap R1 / RB | A simple taunt or to set up a volley. |
| Foot Stall | Stand still with the ball | Instantly stops the ball for precise control. |
| First-Time Feint | Hold L1 / LB + Fake Shot (Press ▢ then X / X then A) | Sells a dummy on a first-time pass or shot. |
| Open Up Fake Shot | Hold L1 / LB + Fake Shot + LS direction | Creates a better angle for a pass or shot. |
2-Star Skill Moves (Building Confidence)
These are fundamental moves for any attacking player. Learning the Body Feint and Ball Roll is the first major step to improving your 1v1 success rate.
GOALS in-game screenshot
| Move Name | PlayStation / Xbox Input | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Body Feint Left/Right | Flick RS Left/Right | Unbalances a defender before accelerating. |
| Stepover Left/Right | Roll RS from Up to Left/Right | A classic move to create a yard of space on the wing. |
| Reverse Stepover | Roll RS from Left/Right to Up | Cuts back against the defender's momentum. |
| Ball Roll | Hold RS Left/Right | Moves the ball laterally to avoid a tackle. A top-tier move. |
| Drag Back | Hold R1 / RB + Flick LS Down | Pulls the ball back to shield it or change direction quickly. |
3-Star Skill Moves (Creating Real Space)
Here, the moves become more pronounced. The Roulette and Heel Flick are excellent for navigating crowded areas, especially inside the opponent's penalty box.
| Move Name | PlayStation / Xbox Input | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Heel Flick | Flick RS Up, then Down | Pops the ball over a defender's outstretched leg. |
| Roulette | Roll RS from Down clockwise/counter-clockwise 270° | Spins around a defender who is tight to you. |
| Feint Left & Exit Right | Roll RS from Left, around Down, to Right | A more exaggerated body feint for a sharp cut. |
| Heel Chop | Hold L2 / LT + Fake Shot + LS diagonally back | A sharp, 90-degree cut while dribbling at speed. |
4-Star Skill Moves (Unlocking the Defense)
This tier is where you can truly start breaking down organized defenses. The ability to perform a 4-star move separates good attackers from great ones. The Simple Rainbow is a classic for humiliating an overly aggressive opponent.
GOALS in-game screenshot
| Move Name | PlayStation / Xbox Input | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Ball Hop (while standing) | Press R3 / RS button | Lifts the ball to start a juggle or set up a volley. |
| Heel to Heel Flick | Flick RS Up, then Down | A faster version of the 3-star Heel Flick. Excellent burst. |
| Simple Rainbow | Flick RS Down, then Up, then Up | Lifts the ball over a defender's head. High risk, high reward. |
| Spin Left/Right | Hold R2 / RT + Roll RS from Up to Left/Right | A quick, tight spin to evade a challenge from the side. |
| Scoop Turn | Fake Shot + LS diagonally forward at 45° | A devastating change of direction that leaves defenders planted. |
5-Star Skill Moves (Pure Flair and Domination)
These are the game-changers, reserved for the most elite dribblers in Goals. They are complex to execute under pressure but are nearly impossible to defend when timed correctly. Moves like the Elastico are designed to snap a defender's ankles and create clear goal-scoring opportunities out of nothing.
GOALS in-game screenshot
| Move Name | PlayStation / Xbox Input | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Elastico | Roll RS from Right, around Down, to Left | Rapidly shifts the ball out and back in. Devastating in the box. |
| Reverse Elastico | Roll RS from Left, around Down, to Right | The opposite of the Elastico, good for cutting inside from the wing. |
| Advanced Rainbow | Flick RS Down, Hold RS Up, Flick RS Up | A more stylish and effective version of the rainbow flick. |
| Sombrero Flick | Flick RS Up, Up, Down | Lifts the ball over your own head to beat a defender behind you. |
| Tornado Spin | Hold L1 / LB + Flick RS Up, then Left/Right | An intricate spin that combines a flick-up and a turn. |
| Ball Roll Chop | Hold RS Right/Left, then Flick LS Left/Right | A fluid combination of a ball roll and a cut. |
Chaining Moves and Advanced Tactics
Simply performing one skill move is often not enough. The best players chain them together into fluid, unpredictable sequences. The key is to make the moves flow into each other, with each one setting up the next.
The goal is to force the defender to commit. A simple Ball Roll to the right might not beat them, but it will force them to shift their weight. If you immediately follow that with a Reverse Elastico back to the left, you will exploit the exact moment they are off-balance. This is the chess match of dribbling.
GOALS in-game screenshot
Here are a few effective, easy-to-learn combos:
- Ball Roll to Scoop Turn: Perform a Ball Roll to one side to draw the defender, then immediately execute a Scoop Turn in the opposite direction. This is incredibly effective for cutting inside the box.
- Body Feint to Stepover: Use a Body Feint to fake one way, and as the defender bites, use a Stepover to feint again before accelerating away in your original direction.
- Drag Back to Heel to Heel: The Drag Back creates separation from a defender who is too tight. The instant you have that space, use a Heel to Heel flick to explode into it.
Remember, context is everything. Don't do a Sombrero Flick in your own half surrounded by three players. Use skill moves purposefully to solve a specific problem: beating one player, creating a shooting angle, or escaping pressure. Sometimes, the best move is a simple pass.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know a player's skill move rating?
You can find the "Skill Moves" rating on any player's main attribute screen. It will be displayed as a star rating from 1 to 5.
Why are my skill moves not working in Goals?
There are three common reasons. First, the player you're using may not have the required star rating for the move. Second, your input might be incorrect or too slow—practice in the arena. Third, player stamina has a huge impact; a tired player is far more likely to fail a complex skill move.
What is the easiest and most effective skill move to learn?
The Ball Roll (holding the RS left or right) is by far the most versatile and effective move for its simplicity. It's safe, quick, and can be used in almost any situation to evade a tackle and open up a passing lane.
Can goalkeepers do skill moves?
Yes, goalkeepers have a 1-star skill move rating by default. This means they can perform any of the moves in the 1-star list, like the Drag Back or a first-time feint.
A Final Take
This list is your toolbox, but it's useless without practice. Spend time in the training arena mastering the inputs until they become muscle memory. Focus on learning two or three moves from each tier that fit your playstyle rather than trying to learn them all at once. In Goals, a well-timed Body Feint is always better than a panicked, mistimed Elastico. Now go master the art of dribbling.