Dribbling in soccer is performed with the inside, outside and the sole of the foot. All field players should learn to dribble and change direction while keeping the ball under control.
Players should keep the ball close to their body when dribbling, especially when confronted by defenders. Instead of putting his/her head down, a good dribbler needs to observe the defender and react to weaknesses in his stance or footing.
Players who have possession of the ball are encouraged to dribble forward whenever there is open space in front of them. Dribbling into space, draws defenders out of position, opens up the game and can create new passing options. That is why it is important to be able to dribble while scanning the field at the same time.
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Dribbling moves
Matthews move
The Matthews move is simple but very effective, especially when the defender is jockeying.
You start by pushing the ball to the inside using your instep and then you immediately accelerate in the opposite direction.
The trick is to switch direction as quickly as possible so the defender doesn’t have time to react.
Stepover move
The stepover move involves moving your foot over the ball and planting it on the outside.
Next, you use your other foot to accelerate in the opposite direction.
In this encounter from World Cup 1966, Pele is approached by a defender.
He performs a stepover feint that fools the defender into shift to one side.
Pele takes note of the defender's mistake and accelerates in the opposite direction.
Rivelino move
The Rivelino move is similar to a stepover, except that the same foot is used to push the ball around the defender.
For the move to work, you really have to make the stepover look convincing.
This is of the favorite moves of Brazilian midfielder Roberto Rivelino.
Cut move
This move involves pushing the ball one way and then immediately cutting in the opposite direction.
Puskás move
Commonly known as the V-move, this trick was often used by the legendary Hungarian attacker Ferenc Puskás.
The move works best when the defender is nearby.
Start by putting your foot on top of the ball at which point the defender will usually come in for a tackle.
Using the same foot, pull the ball back then push it sideways and accelerate.
Some players like to fake a pass before performing the V-move.
Scissors feint
The Scissors feint involves moving your foot around the ball and planting it to the side.
It’s important to accelerate right after performing the feint.
Also, make sure to practice the scissors while the ball is moving.
Cruyff move
This was the trademark move of the Dutch legend Johan Cruyff.
Notice how the upper body is used by extending the arm.
This is crucial in misleading the opponent.
The Roulette
This is one of Zinedine Zidane's favorite moves.
First, let the ball roll away from you body.
When the defender commits, pull the ball back with the sole of your foot and spin around.
The Roulette can sometimes be performed as you are receiving the ball.
Lunge feint
This is a subtle but useful move.
Usually, the defender needs to be coming in at speed in order for the feint to work.
Roll and scissors move
This is a combination of two simple moves.
First, roll the ball laterally to your left, performs a scissors feint and then accelerate right.
When executed with composure, this move fools the defender to shift to the side.
Elastico move
The Elastico is a two-part move, sometimes used by Ronaldinho.
First, push the ball with your instep and then quickly cut it using the same foot.
It's important to keep your foot close to the ball, when performing this move.
Scotch move
The key to the Scotch move is angling your body. You have to turn your hips 45 degrees relative to the direction where you want to go. Otherwise, the ball will hit your supporting leg or fly off to the side.
The Sleeper
This move works well in close quarters, so it's more common with indoor soccer.
Slide the ball forward with your inside,
then quickly stop it by placing the sole of your foot on top.
Rainbow flick
The Rainbow flick is not a move that you're going to see very often!
Flicking the ball over the defender using both feet requires a lot of skill and is difficult to perform at full speed.
There should be space behind the defender too where you can safely settle the ball.
Dribbling drills
Dribbling around cones is a great exercise because
it forces you to do a lot of repetitions in succession.
Setup your cones in a line approximately a meter or two apart.
Start at one end and slalom through the cones as quickly as you can.
Make sure to practice with both feet!
Winning in 1v1
Taking on defenders is risky and shouldn't be attempted unless you are trying produce a shoot or when you are out on the flanks.
Near the sideline, dribbling can work wonders and it's not as important when you lose possession there.
Beating opponents in 1v1 requires composure and good reflexes.
Most importantly, you have to watch and react to the defender.
As you approach an opponent, lock your eyes on his feet and be prepared to react to his tackle.
Keep your center of gravity low by leaning forward and bending the knees.
Don't try to beat your opponent right away unless he is out of balance or flatfooted.
Instead, stay on your toes and be prepared to move laterally in either direction.
Look at these visual examples:
In both situations, the defender starts out with balanced footing.
But in the second frame he raises one foot off the ground.
If he raises his foot that is farther away from the ball, you move out.
If he raises his foot that is nearer to the ball, you move in.
The basic idea is to dribble in direction of the defender's supporting foot.
Some opponents may be very patient. If the defender is jockeying and refuses to bite,
you can throw him off balance using feints. By performing feints and tricks,
you may be able to get your opponent to freeze up or lean to one side.
Be prepared to react and move quickly, because he may be off balance for no longer than a split second.
