Dribbling Techniques for Soccer
An essential part of playing soccer is to know how to dribble. It can be one of the safer ways to get the ball to where you want to go, since the ball is always in close proximity to your body where you can defend it. However, it is essential to know how to do it properly.
One of the first things to consider is the variety of moves that you can perform while dribbling. Being able to work on these and improve them will make it that much easier for you to get up the field and score. It also gives you more of an arsenal to work with, so that the other team does not learn to anticipate your movements.
The stop and go involves a change of pace. If you are jogging slowly with the ball and the defender is next to you, you can stop for a second and then burst past. You can put the sole of your foot on top of the ball for the second that you pause. Then simply push it forward when you go again. The pause may confuse the other player long enough for you to shoot ahead.
The cut back involves using the inside of your foot to send the ball back behind your body. This is often effective if you tie it in with a fake shot. You fake a pass, cut the ball back, and start going in a different direction to fake the defender out.
A fake shot is just what it sounds like - you bring your leg back like you are going to shoot a pass or take a shot at the goal. Instead, move the ball to the left or right with your foot to get ready for your next play. With any luck, the defender is preparing to follow your shot and not watching the change.
The inside outside is another form of a fake shot. You fake like you are going to inside by carrying the ball to the inside for a few steps. Once you think that the defender is not ready, push the ball to the outside with the outside of your foot, and use the extra space to cross the all, pass, or make a shot. Or do the opposite, and outside and inside and fake going out and then run in.
You can also get the defender to think that they can go for the ball by exposing it as if they could steal it. When they move in, cut the ball away and move. Only do this if you are totally confident that you can move the ball though - it will totally backfire if the defender ends up with the ball.
These are just some of the moves that you can do. The biggest idea is to always keep your opponent guessing as to which way you are going next, and keep your eyes open for a chance to move and lose them. Constantly keeping in contact with the ball will make it easier to control and allow for sharp cuts and quick getaways.
Of course, learning the perfect dribbling techniques does not happen overnight. You will constantly need to practice to improve. Drills are a great way to do this.
If you are practicing alone, you can use almost anything to perform your drills. Cones work great, but if you do not have any they are not essential. Anything from dandelions in your front yard to pieces of playground equipment can be useful. Try dribbling in and out of your “defenders”, seeing how close you can come without touching any of them. Try doing the drill with just your right foot and then just your left to improve both, and then alternate.
Obviously, having a partner or teammate to practice with can be even better. With a teammate, practice going from one end of the field to the other with the ball. Take turns between yourselves with alternating between dribbling and defending. Encourage your opponent to try different moves to get the ball away.
Remember, as with all other things soccer related you can only improve with practice! Take time to work on your dribbling skills every day, and you will soon see your abilities improve.
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