Dribbling

Dribbling is a method individual players use to move the ball from one point to another while preventing the opposition from gaining possession of it. The purpose of dribbling is practically the same as passing, except that only one player physically deals with the ball. In essence, dribbling is passing the ball to oneself and collecting it.
Notice that dribbling is not simply beating an opponent in a man-to-man confrontation. Moving with the ball in itself provides advantages.

General principles
Because dribbling encompasses elements of passing and controlling, it is logical that it would have features extracted from both of these aspects.

Creating angles
Dribbling changes the position of the player with the ball thus providing new perspectives for him. Moving sideways (parallel to the goal line) with the ball is the best way of finding holes in a line of defense. Proficient midfielders have to master this skill because it lets them create passing angles.

Attracting opponents
When a player dribbles away from his marker, he essentially attracts him after the ball. This could be of great use if one was to dribble away from the enemy goal because he would draw enemy defenders from their position. Creating angles and attracting opponents are the two main exploits used by a midfielder to manipulate enemies. In fact, top midfielders use both in conjunction. Players who can fluently move with the ball would frequently control it with their back to the enemy goal. As their marker pressures, they would move back away from him and then sideways thus making a 180-degree turn. From this new position a passing lane is usually freed up in place of the displaced marker. That is why, a player with good foot skills is often assigned more than one marker by a defensively concerned enemy.

Beating opponents
Talented dribblers possess the ability to beat enemy defenders. By changing direction and/or speed a dribbler can deceive his opponent(s) and gain an advantageous position over him (them). An "advantageous" position for the attacker would be one which provides better passing/shooting angles for him. A very important aspect of maintaining this advantage is placing one's body between the ball and the beaten enemy as well as accelerating away from him. This directly prevents the enemy from recovering or interfering any further with the play. Dribbling can produce very dangerous situations even against tightly marking defenses. Every forward must be capable of beating at least one enemy defender, hence comes the first rule to playing as an attacker - "if facing the last single defender always take him on." Conversely, the fullbacks always try to avoid challenging a forward, unless he has made a mistake or teammates are providing backup. That is why fullbacks mark their opponents tightly - to keep them from turning (facing them with the ball.) If an attacker has already turned and is headed to goal, the defender can only wait for him to err, try to persuade him away from goal or "double team" him. Beating enemies must therefore be done by maintaining the ball close to one's body and moving in a direction away from their pressure. Defenders work on the principle of compactness. If an attacker does not take on his marker quickly, another defender will provide cover for the marker. Another conclusion must be drawn from the above generalization - enemy defenders must be challenged as soon as possible (if one concludes that passing or shooting are less applicable.)

Methods of Dribbling

Relief of pressure
A quick dribbling "burst" is a great tool, which opens angles for shooting, or passing (and even clearing). When a player is under close pressure, his direct view towards goal is usually blocked. If the dribbler moves laterally to the pressuring enemy, he can generally open a suitable shooting angle. Similarly, this could be applied to passing as well. Angles created in this manner are typically short-lived and therefore must be exploited right away.

Conquering open land
If a player has the ball, and there is open room available in front of him, he is typically expected to push up. That is done with the purpose of drawing enemy defenders out. If a player has free space towards goal, it usually means that the opposing fullbacks have withdrawn back. By carrying the ball forward, the player will cause for at least one defender to pressure thus relieving opposing compactness. This particular method of attracting pressure is useful for players from all positions, including fullbacks. Players positioned on the flanks must be especially accustomed to pushing up with the ball.
When using this method is extremely important to keep looking around for pressuring enemies rather than riveting one's eyes on the ball. This helps in finding open angles where the ball could be passed or shot before an enemy actually approaches.

Going around defenders
Dribbling can be employed for beating defenders. "Going around" is a fairly accurate term that refers to beating pressuring opponents through one-on-one confrontations. When a player is pressured, his enemy is usually in front, closer to his own goal. The final result of "going around" is succinctly stated in its definition: the dribbler has ended up on the opposite side of (or around) the pressuring opponent.

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