No Danger Right? Wrong!
Receive the ball: 30 yards out from own goal, wide on the left. That's a mistake by the defender, he hasn't closed in tight. Face him up. Couple of quick touches. Eyes up. Can see that there is space behind him. Now let's lose him!
Lift right foot up to take the ball to the right, but miss the ball and drop foot fast to the right, into the ground. Shift weight to that side. Watch the defender move the same way. Now shift weight in the opposite direction, to the left. Raise the right foot and tap the ball to the left, super-fast! Burst forward to the left of the defender with a right foot inside foot touch. He's gone! The surprise change in direction has him off balance.
Attack
No time though. The covering inside defender, steams sideways in to tackle but he has completely misjudged his timing. An early punch of the ball forward and sprint into the left wing space, leaves him dead in his tracks. The pitch opens up ahead. Cut in from the left, don’t slow down. Keep the ball tight on the outside of the right foot, toes pointing down, eyes up, always watching the movement ahead.
The defensive 4 have tightened and closed to the edge of the box. Choices? Two team mates are keeping the space open, by staying far post. One is arriving deep behind, central for a pull back. Selection made! Drive at the defender. He backtracks. Jockeys, frightened to tackle. Two other defenders close in from the side and behind. Into the box now. Do a slight hesitation, feint of movement with the right foot. Bam! That's it, the facing defender stumbles slightly to the left, giving just enough room to shoot to the right of him. A deflection off the boot of the incoming central defender and the ball races in to the bottom left corner of the net. What a goal!
Speed Dribble and 1v1 Dynamics
This goal by Neymar playing for Brazil, is a beautiful goal to study as a young player. It combines two of the most thrilling aspects of the game: 1) skinning a defender in a 1:1 situation and 2) Sheer frightening speed of an attacking dribble. (see goal at approx 40 seconds in).
All of the great players have two or three 1:1 techniques that are their go to skills. In Neymar's case the drop of the foot across the back of the ball, is a super-fast skill, that is uncomplicated. If practiced well and combined with an explosive burst forward, the defender will be off balance. It is exceptional to do and to watch being done.
The speed dribble is also a technique that should be practiced consistently, whereby: every stride forward has your leading foot touching the ball. You should be able to sprint at full pace with the ball. After all, the defenders will be sprinting to stop you. A great practice for this is to lay down 6 cones or poles, 4 paces apart, and dribble at top speed through them, without losing control of the ball and without touching the cones. Time yourself and improve. At our Academy over the years, this exercise has helped players build confidence and skill in attacking at speed. Like Neymar you ask? Well, he is pretty special.
One2Pro
The use of video with a Coach review is fantastic in honing skill and performance.
In our One2Pro online coaching app, these techniques of the stars, are broken down step by step for our players to follow and practice. Download to view all skills for just $9.99 (Aus) or subscribe and work with your One2Pro Coach on all 92 skills. FREE TRIAL now available.
Be The One!
Enjoy!
Aaron Tighe
Founder One2Pro