Types of Soccer Moves

In soccer the attacker, the player with the ball, uses techniques and skills to move past the defending player while keeping possession of the ball. Attackers use these techniques to move the ball down the field. Once in the final third of the field, players will shoot in an attempt to score on the opposing team. With practice and repetition, soccer techniques will develop into natural moves that players can use in a game.

  1. Controlled Dribbling

    • Use controlled dribbling when you have little space or a defender is near. Before performing a move, use this technique to keep the ball under control. According to Tim Schum's "Coaching Soccer," this technique holds extreme importance in soccer. To perform this technique, push the ball diagonally forward with the outside of one foot, then diagonally forward with the inside of the same foot. Schum states that you shouldn't push the ball forward more than 1 foot with each push.

    Speed Dribbling

    • Schum states, "It's important to attack open space with speed whenever the opportunity is available.” This allows you to move the ball down the field quickly and with speed. Also use this move to explode away from defenders once you have passed them. To perform this technique, use your laces--the top of your foot--to push the ball forward 2 to 3 feet. As you push the ball forward, you must sprint--run with speed--to explode into space or away from a defending player.

    Shielding the Ball

    • Use this technique to prevent a defending player from stealing the ball. When no teammates are open to pass to, shield the ball until an available option opens up. Also shield the ball from the defending player while the ball rolls out of bounds if the opposing team last touched the ball. If accomplished, your team will win the throw-in or corner kick, depending on which part of the field the ball went out of bounds.

      To apply this technique, place your body facing slightly to one side in between the ball and the defending player. Use the foot that is placed in front to protect the ball. According to Schum, you should have all your weight on the back foot, the foot closest to the defender, while using your body to block the player from stealing the ball.

    Scissors

    • Perform this move to make the defending player move one direction; then explode in the other direction. This move can be used in any area of the field to get past a defending player when attacking. According to Schum, you should cut back behind the defending player once you have moved past him. This will give you a better chance of preventing the defending player from winning the ball back.

      Schum states that to perform this move, start with both feet on one side of the ball. Next, take the foot closest to the ball and circle it around the front half of the ball until you have reached the opposite side. Now lunge forward, placing all your weight on the same foot that circled the ball. This will make the defending player move in that direction. Now circle the inside of the opposite foot around the back half of the ball. Then use the outside of this foot to push the ball diagonally outward.

    Drag Back and Hook Turn

    • Use this move to change directions of the ball, to pass backward or to switch the point of attack. The drag back uses the bottom of your foot connected to the top of the ball to roll the ball back. As you drag the ball back, you turn your body 180 degrees with the ball.

      Similar to the drag back, the hook turn allows you to make a 180-degree turn with the ball. With this turn you use the inside of your foot to push the ball back from the front side as you turn backward.

    Fake Shot

    • This requires you to fake a shot in order to explode in another direction past the defending player. This technique is commonly used in or around the 18-yard box. This move requires you to pull back your leg to fake a shot. Right before your foot reaches the ball, push the ball outward with the outside of the foot to go around the defender.