Speed, Close Control Combination

This Messi clip is just a few seconds but it will give you an idea of how speed and close control make a fantastic recipe for dribbling: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ovN3lplAF0&NR=1

Shoulder Dip

Take a look at the shoulder dip, shouldn't be too difficult to get used to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rX6oiXN5T3A

Basics of Dribbling

Dribbling is arguably the most attractive and debated area of soccer. Most coaches will stress the 'Pass! Don't dribble!' factor. It is correct that when the same result can be achieved by passing or dribbling an opposing defender the former is no doubt the safer option. However, player's don't always have the option of passing to achieve the same result. It is therefore important to gain confidence and fluency in dribbling techniques. Now there are countless tricks and flicks one can waste time practising but outside of the glamour aspect these rarely have the impact of the most simple dribbling techniques. Player's tend to move onto fancier dribbling techniques when the simple one's aren't working. The reason they aren't working isn't because they're simple, it's because they're not being done correctly. Take for example Lionel Messi, a player who is one of the most accomplished dribbler's of all time. Even the strongest defensive lines in world soccer struggle to keep up. Rarely do you see this dribbling machine do a step over or something of the sort. He uses the most simple yet the most effective techniques. If perfected these WILL work on any defender. Two key aspects are Maintaining Close Ball Control while at the same time Manipulating Basic Movement. This can be done in several ways. With a slight feint towards one direction the opposition is put off balance and the player, with a quick burst of speed, can take off past him in the other direction. This feint can be done by a simple bending of the knee, a small movement of the body or even a sudden drop of the shoulder. For example, if a player wishes to dribble to his right he should bend his left knee to throw the opposition off balance and take off take his right with the ball on the outside of his right boot. Remember, dribbling is alot more effective when coming towards the opposition at speed. The player should get quite close to the opposing player before completing the feint. It is important to keep perfect balance will carrying out this feint otherwise the delay in taking off will give the opposition ample time to recover. Once the simple dribbling techniques are mastered it is also easier to understand and perfect the more advanced one's. Try it out and I'll put up a few video examples shortly.       

The Cruyff Turn

And finally here's an example of the Cruyff Turn by none other than Johan Cryuff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U1k7DGqRF5g

La Pelopina-360 Turn

A short clip to help you with the 360-turn being skillfully completed by Xavi Hernandez-the King of La Pelopina: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Urae9HJbgc

Video of Basic Stop Turn

Check out this video to make sure you're doing the basic stop turn correctly: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-AZYIXLk6U

Changing Direction

Changing direction is an integral part of maintaining ball possesion. When being closely tracked by an opposing player a change of direction carried out in an effective manner can buy a player plenty of space. In certain positions a sudden change of direction is also a perfect option in getting past a defender. The most basic change of direction is by simply bringing the ball to a complete stop with the bottom of the heal and without delay turning around to change direction of play with the outide of the opposite foot. The player in possesion thus has a great advantage in that he knows exactly when he intends to change direction whereas the opposition relies on his reaction time. However, if the opposition is of relatively high speed and flexibility this simple technique may enable him to steel possesion of the ball as it is stopped. It is therefore important to also master other methods of changing direction. I will share two very effectives options with you. The first is one which has been mastered and skillfully used by Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez to dominate ball possesion for both country and club, known in Spanish as La Pelopina-360 turn. With the ball against the inside of the boot the player drags the ball round as he turns in the direction of the ball. This has three big advantages over the more simple technique as the ball doesn't come to a complete stop, it remains under the player's complete control and the oppostion player may take longer to realize the change of direction taking place. Another more advanced technique is the Cruyff Turn named after the legendary Johann Cruyff. This is done by dragging the ball with the inside of the boot behind the player's other leg. It isn't very hard to master and can work wonder's in the game. Try them out and I'll post links to viedos shortly to give you a better graphic idea.

First Touch Towards Goal

One of Lionell Messi's best goal's ever(and there've been Alot) will give you a great example of a First Touch creating an attacking oppurtunity so check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmTT7n1-OIc

First Touch Video

Here's a great video to help you get the idea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1i_Xr2kFZw Remember practice makes perfect!

First Touch

David Beckham said one of the most important techniques to master in football is the 'first touch'. This is obvious to anyone with a good understanding of the game as a player's first touch defines the effectiveness of every single pass completed throughout a game. I would often practice my first touch by kicking the ball against the wall and receiving the rebound with the correct technique. This might sound easy but it is what divides average players from passing masters like Xavi and Gerard. When receiving a pass it is important to cushion the ball. Bringing the ball to a complete stop may ruin the flow of play or increase the chances of you loosing possession through a tackle. Too much weight on the 1st touch may also give the ball away. Therefore a 1st touch must be perfectly weighted for the ball to remain in the players close control. In most situations the first touch should be directed away an opposing player. One must be perfectly balanced to take full advantage of a good 1st touch. This can be achieved by both practice and building core strength eg. sit ups etc. In an attacking position a 1st touch should be directed towards goal to give the striker a finishing chance whereas in defence the opposite. Keep practicing. Will upload a video link A.S.A.P so you can make sure you're doing it right. If you've got questions please feel free to ask

Soccer and Me

So you're all probably wondering why I'd think it's my job to help other talented sportsman..up until a short while back I looked set for a bright and promising career as a football player. Unfortunately a series of serious injuries while playing took that away from me. It has become my wish to ensure others dnt miss out fulfilling their potential the way I did

Lets get started

Guys please join me and let all your friends and family know so they don't miss out either. If you have any questions please feel free to message me

Star's of the future

This blog is dedicated to thousands of youngster's out there who with just a little help and guidance can and will achieve their dreams. Talent is out there in abundance and we have no excuse when it goes to waste. This blog is open to all those who wish to be part of this vision. Take part by either giving of your experience or gaining from the valuable experience of other accomplished sportsmen.