Even the smallest child can run forward and dribble a soccer ball with some success, just by kicking the ball forward. The key to improving your soccer or football dribbling is achieving better control so the ball does not go in a random direction or too far forward. Improved football dribbling can bring you and your team to greater success in your league, or even the pinnacle of the sport if you can master dribbling to the extent of a football magician such as FC Barcelona's Lionel Messi.
Step 1
Practice juggling the ball, keeping it in the air by a series of taps off the top of one foot. Alternate feet as you improve, recommends University of North Carolina Greensboro coach Michael Parker in "Premier Soccer." Work as you juggle on improving your touch or feel for the ball, which increases your confidence in handling the ball.
Step 2
Push the ball, rather than kick it, and use the inside and outside of the feet for these pushes. Experiment with using the sole of your foot, the top of your shoe and your heel as well as the inside and outside of the foot to control the ball, pro coach Michael J. Matkovich advises.
Step 3
Run straight at the defender to create good, attacking dribbling, Parker states. As you do so, tap the ball close to the defender, in a move called "showing" the ball, to tempt him into stabbing at it with his foot to tackle the ball away from your feet. This stabbing motion move can place the defender off balance, unable to turn and follow your next move.
Step 4
Knock the ball past the defender after showing it and accelerate toward the goal. Time your tap of the ball when the defender seems most off-balance and use your speed to leave him behind. The closer you are to the defender for this move, ideally a yard or less, the easier it will be for you to recover the ball after this tap. If you are 3 yards or more away, the defender may have the speed to get to the ball before you do.
Step 5
Play a small-sided game, such as 2v2 or 3v3, to obtain a concentrated practice of your dribbling skills. Keep the ball close to your feet at all times, recommends Jim Drewett in "How to Improve in Soccer." Drop your shoulder and swerve your upper body to confuse your defender, and move the ball from one foot to the other. Jab your feet or jerk your head to confuse your opponent as to your intentions.
Member Comments