How to dribble past defenders.
Few moments in football are as exciting as beating a defender one-on-one. Good dribblers create space, chances and goals for their team. The best part is that dribbling is a skill every player can improve with the right technique and plenty of practice.
1. Keep the ball close
When a defender is near, the ball should never be more than a step away. Small, frequent touches keep the ball under control and give the defender fewer chances to win it. Save the bigger touches for open space.
2. Run at the defender
Defenders hate being run at. Dribbling directly towards a defender forces them to make a decision and often makes them back off or commit early. Once they commit, that is the moment to go past them.
3. Use a change of pace
A change of pace beats defenders more often than any skill move. Slow down as you approach, invite the defender in, then explode past them. Even average speed looks fast when it comes straight after slowing down.
4. Use a change of direction
Cuts, drags and turns wrong-foot defenders. Practise cutting the ball with the inside and outside of both feet so you can go either way. Defenders find it much harder to stop a player who can go both ways.
5. Sell the fake
A body feint or step over only works if it looks real. Drop your shoulder, shift your weight and make the defender believe you are going one way before going the other. Simple moves done convincingly beat complicated moves done half-heartedly.
6. Protect the ball with your body
Put your body between the defender and the ball. Using your arms for balance and keeping the ball on the far foot makes it much harder for a defender to reach.
7. Know when to dribble
Great dribblers also know when not to dribble. Dribbling is most useful in the attacking third, when you are one-on-one, or when a teammate is not in a better position. In your own defensive third, a simple pass is usually the smarter choice.
8. Practise, practise, practise
Dribbling moves become effective when they are automatic. Practise them slowly first, then at speed, then against a friend or family member. Ball mastery work, like our 15-minute ball mastery routine, builds the close control every dribbler needs.
A simple practice drill
- Set up a cone or bottle as a "defender" five metres away.
- Dribble towards it, slow down, then use a move to go past.
- Explode away for five metres after the move.
- Repeat 10 times on each side, using both feet.
Train dribbling with Dynamic Football
Our dribbling and 1v1 training in Melbourne helps players develop the close control, change of pace and confidence to take players on. Book a session to get started.
