Master the skill of dribbling close to your feet and your soccer playing abilities will soar. Close control enables you to skip past opponents, keep the ball safe from challenges, run into the right positions and get yourself well-placed for shooting. Many of the most celebrated players of all time, from Pele and Maradona to Leo Messi and Ronaldo had exceptional dribbling skills close to their feet. The skill requires excellent balance, coordination and the ability to "feel" the ball as it touches your feet.
Step 1
Stay low to the ground with your knees bent and torso slightly positioned forward. This low, loose, solid stance keeps you stable and in a position to move your legs around the ball.
Step 2
Look up and around instead of down at your feet. Keep the ball just ahead of you as you run and look ahead as you move.
Step 3
Feel the ball with your feet and pass it between the two using your instep. The inside of your foot provides the most secure control.
Step 4
Turn the ball to one side with the outside of your boot. For example, use the outside of your right boot to shift to your right, and then pull it back inside with your right instep. Use the outside of your left foot to push the ball to the left.
Step 5
Run with small, controlled steps rather than strides. This keeps the ball close and gives you the ability to shift balance more easily. Don't be afraid to let the ball stay in contact with your boot for much of the movement.
Step 6
Lean sideways into the direction in which you're aiming. Don't lean too far or you might lose your balance.
Step 7
Position your body and legs so that they shield the ball from opponents. Keep the ball tight to your feet and get between the ball and a defender.
Step 8
Add fake moves and "step-overs" to keep the ball near to your feet and outwit your opponents. For example, try lifting your leading leg toward the ball as though you're about to shift it across to your other leg. Instead, step over the ball and shift direction when your opponent moves in your original direction.
Tips and Warnings
- Dribble around cones for practice. The only way to become confident enough to not stare at your feet is to repeatedly practice dribbling.
- Don't make the mistake of thinking you can dribble all the way on your own. Try getting past one or two players, but pass to your teammates to spread the play.
Things You'll Need
- Soccer ball
- Cones
