Skill Videos

When you are receiving the ball and a defender is on your back, turning with the inside of your foot is an effective technique to deceive your opponent. It works by receiving and turning in a single motion in order to keep the ball protected. First receive with the inside of your foot, and then glide the ball to the outside on the turn to really sell the fake. And remember to look over your shoulder to see the space you are moving into next. Turning with the inside of your foot can really fool a defender when executed well.

The push pass is an essential skill used by all players for short and medium passing. Before it gets used, it is key to assess the game situation so you can determine how hard or soft you want to pass to be. Then plant your foot while keeping you ankle locked and heel down, and push the ball to a teammate smoothly and fluidly. When you shape the push pass to the specific foot of a player, it can be highly effective anywhere on the field.

You can use this pass to curl and shape the ball around defenders, allowing you to reach teammates in tight spots down the field. The variable spin you will put on the ball makes it difficult for the defender to anticipate and intercept. You'll keep your toe down and slightly inward in order to create just the right amount of spin on the ball for the situation you are in. Speedsters like Gareth Bale will also use this technique to curl the ball around a defender and make a break for the goal. Check it out here.

Turning with the outside of your foot is an ideal technique when you’re looking to receive with a player on your back, like a forward. This skill involves receiving with the inside of your foot as you turn and gliding the ball to the outside in a fluid motion. While executing, it’s key to keep your body balanced and ready for challenge from oncoming defenders. You can add extra deception by dipping your shoulder and stepping to the opposite side of the direction that you turn. Master this technique and you’ll have the skills in place to really guard the ball in a game.

If you’re looking to get behind a defender and have already found success with the single scissor, the double scissor is a great move to consider. To execute while dribbling, you quickly step over with one foot and then the other. Then take the ball away with the outside of your original dribbling foot. The key is to really exaggerate the second step over using your upper body, arms and eyes so the defender takes the bite—and loses their focus and balance. The double scissor is an incredibly effective move that can help you fake out the defender to explode fast.

To keep the attacker from gaining ground, it’s important to ensure the right first defender positioning. This technique provides an important defensive skill for pressuring the ball handler—and is especially important if you’re a first defender. The idea is to delay your opponent, deny penetration and destroy the play with a tackle. Start by pressuring the handler so they can’t move forward as you funnel them into a small area. Keep your feet moving and eyes on the ball. Then be patient, and avoid the temptation to tackle too early since most teams win the ball with an interception.

The driven shot can help you generate as much power as possible when you’re shooting from outside the 18 and there’s time and space without a defender in the way. Start by keeping your head down, eyes focused and body compact. Make your prep touch at a 45-degree angle for maximum efficiency and force—and be sure to strike the ball with the top of your foot. A smooth stroke is far more important than leg speed in terms of aiming the ball at the goal and increasing your chances of scoring.

When the ball’s coming fast and low by the goal, a diving header is a great technique to try—even if it does take a bit of courage.  It involves diving forward early and striking the ball at the highest point with your forehead. The ball should be headed across the goal instead of flicked. And as you make contact, it’s key to let the power come from your legs and body. This is a fast move that can help you take advantage of a shot when there’s a direct line to the ball and a defender isn’t blocking your path.

If you want greater control of first touch with your chest when the ball’s arriving in the air and a defender’s on your back, this is a great technique. First you need to think ahead about where you want the ball to land. Then turn while receiving and keep your chest big to maximize surface area. Stay wide and balanced so you can direct the ball exactly where you want it to go. Using this skill on the field will help you not just stop the ball with your chest, but enable you to have greater control over the ball than ever before.