Essentially, soccer moves to beat an opponent on the pitch can involve two things.
- A basic skill where the player holds on to the ball
This involves the player maintaining control over the ball without letting the opponent get to it, by using his body, as he dribbles the ball. Instruct your player that no contact must be made with the opponent during this soccer move, as there is the likelihood of a penalty.
- A tactic through which the player does not have the ball, but keeps the opponent from seeing it
This soccer move requires some experience and practice as the other players strive to keep the opponent from even seeing the ball, which is in the possession of one player so that the opponents don’t know what the next move will be.
Beat The Opponent With The Scissors Move
Teach your players this basic move as it can be used to disorient the defender leaving him puzzled about where the ball is going. You can incorporate it into your drills during practice demonstrating how it can be executed when the player has space between himself and the opponent.
Performing The Scissors
Have your player dribble the ball but with only his left foot unlike in regular dribbling, with short kicks and maintaining ball control. Now let him position his left foot by the ball, looking as though he is about to kick with his right foot.
By moving the outside of his right foot toward the ball, let him swing it around the ball, avoiding touching it, so that the right foot is on the other side of the ball, making the ball look as if it is between his feet. Now comes the crucial part. Let your player move his left foot to touch the ball and get ready to strike it with the outer side of his left foot.
Let him nudge the ball to the left so that he can bring it back in control right away to continue with his dribbling. Let him now move toward the ball to indicate he is going to kick it in the usual way with his right foot. But have him dexterously switch feet and kick, bewildering the opponent.
You must get your players to rigorously practice this, as they must be able to do this on the field. This is one of the best soccer moves to beat an opponent.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer moves to beat an opponent. His web site, Coaching Youth Soccer Training Drills: www.SoccerDrillsTips.com, provides a wealth of informative soccer articles, resources and tips for soccer coaches, parents and players.