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.