The Brazilian Soccer Foot Skills & Ball Control Training

Brazilian soccer teams are renowned throughout the world for their skills with the ball. Players are taught how to control and pass the ball at different speeds and angles from a young age. Brazil has produced many soccer players who dazzle the world with their skills and foot speed.

  1. Step-Over

    • Brazilian players use the step-over regularly to confuse the opposition. This is when the player runs with the ball and feigns to pass. Instead of passing, he steps over the top and quickly replaces his foot behind the ball. This particular skill will seem difficult at first, but the Brazilians also use the double step-over. This is when a step-over is performed with the right and left foot consecutively. Good ball control is essential when performing the step-over.

    Bending

    • Brazilian players cause huge problems for goalkeepers by changing the direction of the ball in the air when crossing into the penalty area. Bending the ball in both directions provides an extra weapon of surprise to use against the opposition. To bend the ball, the player kicks the ball on the edge of the sphere. The player should kick the ball on the right edge if he wants to bend it to the left and the left edge if he wants to bend it to the right.

    Turn

    • A fast turn of direction with possession of the ball will leave an opponent a few yards behind and give a few seconds to complete successful shot or a pass. The Brazilian players use this skill to good effect, especially when facing the touchline. The player runs toward the ball and stops its movement with the sole of his soccer boot. He hops over the ball, turns around and takes possession, moving in the opposite direction.

    Hook

    • Brazilian players use the hook turn to keep possession of the ball in tight situations when there are several opposing players around them. This is executed by keeping the body between the ball and the opposing player. Play the ball with the outside of the foot and turn away from the opponent in a semicircle movement. The opposing player will have to follow around and will finish the movement behind you.

    Drag Back

    • The drag back is a tough skill to master, but is effective on a soccer pitch. The Brazilians use this technique when an opposing player attempts to tackle and win possession of the ball. To execute the drag back, place the sole of the boot on top of the ball and roll it backward when the opposing player attempts a tackle. Hop backward so the ball is still in front of you and under control.