ACADEMY MOVES AND FOOTWORK

In our Academy and Academy Juniors programs we spend a lot of time focusing on individual ball control. While focusing on ball control we also spend time focusing on mastering moves to beat opponents and moves to change direction.

This page includes terms we use with our players when talking about different moves and footwork activities we use to improve ball control. Links to videos have been included for you to see the moves and footwork to help your player work on them at home!

Toe Touches – Ball placement is slightly in front of the player. While alternating feet, the bottom of your foot touches the top of the ball. Primarily done in place; we can vary this by instructing players to go forward or backwards while doing the toe touches.

Pendulums – Ball placement between the feet. Using the inside of the foot, tap the ball back and forth, using both feet. Primarily done in place; we can vary this by instructing players to go forward or backwards while doing the pendulums.

Combo – Great footwork activity! A series of 2 toe touches, 2 pendulums while standing in place.

Sole Turn – A simple and effective change of direction while dribbling. Use the sole of your foot to pull the ball back towards the opposite direction you are going. Typically results in turning and using the other foot to continue dribbling.

Cruyff Turn – While dribbling, fake as though you are going to pass or shoot. Non-striking foot is slightly in front of the ball. Using the inside of the opposite foot, drag the ball behind you, turn and head in the opposite direction.

Scissors – While dribbling, player moves their foot around the front of the ball and plants it on the outside of the ball. Exaggerate the shoulder feint as you plant your foot. Then, take the ball in the opposite direction using the other foot.

Step over – Player fakes as though they are going to play the ball with the inside of their foot, but move their foot around the front of the ball. Using that same foot, the player pivots back in the opposite direction. Then, push the ball away with the outside of that foot.
Step over Turn - Same movement as stepover add a movement - using that same foot, the player pivots back in the opposite direction. Then, push the ball away with the outside of that foot.

Ronaldo Chop – While dribbling, use the inside of the foot to hit the outside of the ball and cut the ball behind the opposite leg. There is a slight jump as you execute this move.

Rollover – Drag the ball across your body using the sole of your foot.

Matthews – While dribbling, a touch with the inside of the foot and then a touch with the outside of the same foot going in the opposite direction.