As the soccer ball spins into the back of the net and the goal is registered on the scoreboard, the suddenness of the moment seems to light a fuse under the crowd, causing an explosion of noise and delight. However, a successful goal is not as sudden as it may seem -- it is the last in a chain of events that began with the skillful dribbling of the soccer ball by a playmaker.
Use Both Feet
When they first start playing the game, most soccer players are more comfortable at dribbling the ball with their dominant foot. However, players quickly learn the importance of developing dribbling skills with both feet. According to professional player Chris Klein, dribbling with both feet will prevent defenders from overplaying your dominant foot and give you a better chance to move the ball upfield.
Ball Control
Moving the ball upfield consistently takes ball control. This means that you should keep the ball close to you as you dribble the ball. If you put it too far out in front of you as you advance upfield, you open yourself to attack by a defender, who may take the ball from you and start the counterattack for his team. Ball control is often a more important factor than speed in dribbling.
Head Up
As in basketball, the dribbler cannot stare at the ball while dribbling. In both sports, you will lose your perspective and miss openings for yourself and your teammates. Glancing at the ball while dribbling is certainly acceptable, but staring at it never is. The more closely you are covered -- or marked -- the more important it is for you to dribble with your head up so you can see the field. This enables you to pass to an open teammate or accelerate into an opening to create a goal-scoring opportunity.
Speed Dribbling
Use your speed and athleticism to explode past the defender and push the ball deep into the offensive zone. As you dribble up the field with control, you may draw even with the defender or pass him by a step. At this point you can push the ball hard with the outside part of your foot and then accelerate to full speed. By using the outside part of your foot, you are often pushing the ball away from traffic and toward the wing. This creates open space and often leads to a scoring opportunity.
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