How to Dribble a Soccer Ball – Step by Step Guide

For a professional player, dribbling is a very important technique. It gives a player a huge advantage in a match. However, you do not have to be a professional player to learn this technique. If you want to find the answer about the method “how to dribble a soccer ball?”, you are at the right place. Here are some tips for you.

How to dribble a soccer ball – Some tips for you

If you are a beginner, it is best to start learning the ways to dribble a soccer ball with the following methods:

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• Use moves to fool your opponent.

• Try to control the ball.

• Practice dribbling to improve your skills.

Let’s learn how to dribble via the rest of the article!

Use the outside of your foot to dribble

Use moves to fool your opponent 

1. Use the outside of your foot to dribble when facing an opponent

When you encounter a defender, you should keep the ball close to you. It should be close enough that you can use the outside of your foot to dribble. Thanks to that, you can easily control the ball. Moreover, you can also move more flexible steps.

Related: How to juggle a soccer ball

2. Make a move when you are about 3 feet away from the defender

If you are too close to your opponent, it will be difficult for you to dribble. If you do the skill casting too far away from the opponent, they will easily neutralize you. It is best to practice your moves when you are about 3 feet away from your opponent. At that time, you can easily pass the opponents while still keeping control of the ball.

You should keep moving forward at all costs. As long as you stop for a moment, you will lose motivation immediately.

It is best to practice your moves when you are about 3 feet away from your opponent.

3. Changing the direction of the ball & passing defenders

Move the ball straight into the defender’s direction. As you get close to him, use the outside of your foot to swing the ball to the side. Then speed up so the defender does not catch you.

4. Perform skills to trick opponents

When you get close to defenders, step aside very hard to fool them. You can simultaneously move your arms and eyes to increase the effect. Then, move the ball in the opposite direction using the outside of your other foot.

Alternatively, instead of just lunging to the side, you can loop one foot around the ball, while using the other foot to push the ball. The movement of your foot will easily fool the defenders.

5. Passing defenders with a sudden change of pace

Distracting the defenders will only be effective if you accelerate at the right time. That will ensure that your competitors won’t be able to catch up with you.

Try to control the soccer ball

1. Try to keep your knees slightly bent  for better control

This will help you keep your balance better. Keeping your knees slightly bent helps you stay steady during changes of speed as well as changes of direction. This also allows you to make faster dribbles without losing your balance. This is what you should do if you want to get past a defender.

2. Keep your feet agile and flexible

With a quick and flexible foot, you can dribble in tight spaces. Your feet can also help you move unstoppably fast. When you are close to the defender, you can keep the ball with your feet and focus more on the move.

Keep your feet agile and flexible

3. Dribbling the ball by using the sides of your feet 

Using the sides of your feet is very useful in helping you keep control of the ball. Thanks to that, you can easily perform dribbling when close to the defender.

4. Keeping the ball close to you while approaching your opponent

In fact, when you can control the soccer ball well, you will easily pass the defender, especially in tight spaces. When you keep the ball close to your feet, it is difficult for defenders to steal your soccer ball.

Even if you haven’t mastered dribbling, keeping the ball close will help you attack more effectively.

Practice dribbling to improve your dribbling skills

1. Improve soccer dribbling skill through Zig Zag around cones

You should use about 20 cones to line up 1 row. Take the ball and start with dribbling to the cone closest to you with the outside of one foot. Dribble around each cone and so on until the last cone.

Let’s start the first turn with the right foot and start the second with the left foot. Keeping the ball from knocking over the cones.

Improve soccer dribbling skill through Zig Zag around cones.

2. Practice dribbling in close space

Arrange 3 cones in a straight line (or a triangle with sides about 3 feet). Then, use all parts of your foot to dribble the ball over the cones. You should also try to make quick cuts.

3. Team up with your teammates to practice soccer dribbling skill

For best practice, you need the help of your teammates. After practising with cones, let’s practise with your teammates. It is time to apply the skills you learned through practice with cones.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I dribble like a professional player?

Of course. Just follow the steps in this article. Most importantly, you have to be patient!

2. Is dribbling really that important?

The short answer is yes. Dribbling allows you to get away from defenders easily. If your skill is good, you will not easily lose control of the ball.

3. Can I improve my dribbling speed?

Over time, your skill will get better. At that time, your dribbling speed will also increase significantly.

4. Is dribbling with 2 balls possible?

This is not really necessary. However, if you want, you can still do it. You can use your right foot for a ball and the other foot for a ball.

Conclusion

In general, dribbling is a relatively difficult technique. However, if you follow the above tutorial, you will also quickly master this technique. By being persistent, your dribbling skills will get better over time.