These consist of skills that teach the player how to maintain possession of the ball by keeping the attacker between the defender and the ball. The vast majority of these skills can also be considered change of direction moves. While the emphasis is on keeping possession of the ball, some of these moves can also be used to beat opponents.
The player pulls the ball back with the sole of the foot far enough behind the standing leg to be able to turn into the path of the ball and immediately play it in the reverse direction. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision.
Counter Moves
1. Pull Push
2. High Wave
Inside Cut, Inside Chop
The player cuts the ball across or underneath their body with the inside of one foot. He/she then plays the ball away with the same or other foot depending on the direction. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision. The inside cut is primarily a shielding skill, but can also be used as a 1v1 dribbling skill.
Coaching Points
It is important to play the ball across or underneath the body to properly shield the ball from the defender.
Play the ball away with the opposite foot when performing a cut less than 180 degrees. Shift the weight to the initial leg and use it for support and spring.
Play the ball away with the same foot when performing a 180 degree cut. The other foot is needed to provide balance and explosiveness.
Explode away with the second touch to create space from the defender.
Advanced - Counter Moves
Rivellino
Beardsley
Step Kick
Outside Cut
The player reaches for the ball and cuts it with the outside of their foot. They then take a long step with their plant foot to shield from the defender. Finally they explode away with the same starting foot. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision.
The outside cut is primarily a shielding skill, but can also be used as a 1v1 dribbling skill.
Coaching Points
It is important that players take a long step past the ball with their support leg. This creates more space for shielding purposes. It also gives the player a leg to use as a means to explode away from.
Explode away with the second touch to create space from the defender.
Advanced - Lifts
When used as a 1v1 dribbling skill, a lift can be added to help beat a defender’s out-stretched leg.
Advanced - Counter Moves
Scissors
Whip
Double Cut
This move is used primarily when the defender is to the attacker’s side shoulder. The attacker performs an outside cut followed by an inside cut (or in reverse order) with the same foot in an attempt to shake the defender. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision.
Coaching Points
The same foot is used in both cuts. When deciding which foot to use, it is important to remember to use the foot that will keep the attacker between the defender and the ball, i.e. the ball should be on the foot farthest away from the defender.
Twist Off, Curl, 270 Degree Inside Cut
The player reaches past the ball and begins to cut the ball with the inside of their foot. The player then pivots 270 degrees around the ball while shielding from the defender. Finally the player explodes away using the same foot as the initial cut. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision.
Coaching Points
Use the arm closest to the defender to help shield. This arm should be bent at the elbow and out from the body at a 45 degree angle.
Explode away with the second touch to create space from the defender.
Advanced - Counter Moves
Double Chop
Inside Cut to Rivellino combination move
Reverse Twist Off, 270 Degree Outside Cut
The player reaches past the ball and begins to cut the ball with the outside of their foot. The player then pivots 270 degrees around the ball while shielding from the defender. Finally the player explodes away using the same foot as the initial cut. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision.
Coaching Points
Use the arm closest to the defender to help shield. This arm should be bent at the elbow and out from the body at a 45 degree angle.
Explode away with the second touch to create space from the defender.
Advanced - Counter Moves
Outside Cut to Scissors (final touch in a backwards direction) combination move
Step Stop, Step On, Pull Back
The player steps on top of the ball with the sole of their foot. Note that the player’s weight should not be put on the ball; only touch the ball enough to stop the ball but not to stop the player’s momentum to step beyond the ball. This same foot then reaches past the ball. The player then pivots and plays the ball away with the other foot. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision.
Coaching Points
The player should use the foot that is away from the defender. This allows the player to properly shield the ball from the defender.
It is important that players take a long step past the ball with their support leg. This gives the player a leg to use as a means to explode away from the defender.
Explode away with the second touch to create space from the defender.
Advanced - Counter Moves
Buzz
Cryuff, Hook Turn
The player plays the ball underneath their body with the inside or toe of their foot. They then turn and play with ball away with the other foot. A fake kick at the beginning of this move can enhance its effectiveness. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision.
Here is a three step detailed description of the move:
Coaching Points
Fake a shot at your opponent using your right foot. This fake should be a complete shot except you will stop your leg’s motion just before you touch the ball. Your right foot should be behind and slightly to the right side of the ball at the end of this fake.
Move your right foot around the front of the ball and pull the ball backwards with the inside of your right foot. Your toe should be pointed towards your left foot.
As you pull the ball backwards, direct it behind your left leg while you begin to pivot to the left on your left foot.
Scoop, Pull Push Behind
The player draws the ball back underneath their body with the sole of their foot. With the same foot they then play the ball behind their support leg. Finally they turn and take the ball away with their other foot. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision. This move also works well in conjunction with a fake kick.
Advanced - Counter Moves
Pull Push
High Wave
Roller Skate
Similar to the Scoop the player draws back the ball underneath their body but instead of two touches, one to pull the ball back and one to play the ball underneath their body, the move is performed with only one touch and a slight hop of the support leg. Although slightly more difficult, one less touch means a faster speed of play. With the same foot they then play the ball behind their support leg. Finally they turn and take the ball away with their other foot. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision. This move also works well in conjunction with a fake kick.
Advanced - Counter Moves
Pull Push
High Wave
V-Move, Mixer
The player reaches across their body and pulls the ball with the sole of their foot. They then take the ball away in the opposite direction with the same foot. The ball can be played away with the inside of the foot for controlled situations or the instep for a burst get away. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision.
Toe-Turn, U-Turn
The player turns the ball under their body with the toe of their foot. As they do this, they pivot on their support leg. They then play the ball away with the other foot. This is a move where the ball does not move much but the player changes the direction he is facing. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision.
WA, Reverse Step-Over
The player steps around and in front of the ball with one foot. He/she then plants that foot and pivots 180 degrees. If the player uses their right foot, they pivot back to the right. If the use their left foot, then they pivot back to the left. After the turn they take the ball away with the other foot. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision.
Slap Cut
The player pretends to kick the ball. Then the player rolls their foot over the ball and takes it away with the outside of the same foot. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision.
Long Step
The player takes a long step past the ball, into the defender. While shielding the player then takes the ball away with the other (trailing) foot. As the player gains confidence and touch with the ball they can slowly add speed and vision.
