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Moves, Tricks & Juggling

A coach-ready library of game-changing 1v1 moves, love-of-the-game tricks, and a step-by-step juggling progression - each with setup diagrams, coaching tips, time allotments, and video examples.

Game moves are the 1v1 skills players use in real matches to beat a defender. Teach one per session as a technical block: demo it, let players rehearse unopposed against a cone, then add a passive then active defender. The cone diagram shows the basic setup.

The Stepover

BeginnerU8+

In a game: Freeze a defender and go the opposite way - the classic 1v1 move to beat a marker down the wing.

Cone setup
defenderexplode past

Place one cone as the defender. Player dribbles in, performs the stepover at the cone, accelerates past.

⏱ 5-8 min
Step by step
  1. Approach the defender at a controlled pace, ball at your feet
  2. Swing one foot AROUND the ball from inside to outside - do not touch it
  3. Plant that foot and shift your weight as if going that direction
  4. Push the ball with the OUTSIDE of your other foot the opposite way
  5. Explode into the space with your first two touches
Coaching tips
  • Sell the fake with your shoulders and hips, not just the foot
  • The move works because of the ACCELERATION after - a slow exit gets caught
  • Start stationary to learn the footwork, then add a walking then jogging approach
  • Both feet - a one-footed player is predictable
▶ Watch examples

The Cruyff Turn

BeginnerU9+

In a game: Escape pressure from behind or change direction suddenly - fake a pass or shot, then drag it behind your standing leg.

Cone setup
defenderdrag back + exit

Cone marks where the player fakes the shot. Player dribbles to the cone, executes the Cruyff, exits back the way they came at an angle.

⏱ 5-8 min
Step by step
  1. Set up as if to pass or cross - defender commits to block
  2. Instead of striking it, wrap your foot around the front of the ball
  3. Drag the ball BEHIND your standing leg with the inside of your foot
  4. Turn your body 180 degrees to follow the ball
  5. Accelerate away in the new direction
Coaching tips
  • The fake must be believable - really look like you will strike it
  • Chop the ball crisply behind the standing leg, do not let it run
  • Named after Johan Cruyff - show them the famous clip for buy-in
  • Great for wingers cutting inside or escaping a touchline trap
▶ Watch examples

Inside Cut (V-Cut)

BeginnerU8+

In a game: Cut infield off the wing to open a shooting or passing lane - the winger staple that sets up a shot.

Cone setup
beat outsidecut inside

Two cones: one to dribble past on the outside, then cut inside a second cone toward goal.

⏱ 5-7 min
Step by step
  1. Dribble down the flank at the defender
  2. Reach across the ball with the inside of your outside foot
  3. Chop the ball back and inward at a sharp angle
  4. Push off hard in the new infield direction
  5. Set up the shot or pass immediately
Coaching tips
  • The cut should be sharp - a lazy cut lets the defender recover
  • Get the ball out of your feet after the cut to shoot or cross
  • Cristiano Ronaldo and Robben built careers on this - show examples
  • Practice both directions so both wings are covered
▶ Watch examples

Double Scissors

IntermediateU10+

In a game: A layered feint to unbalance a committed defender - two step-arounds to sell one direction then explode the other.

Cone setup
defenderexplode past

One cone as the defender. Slow the approach, both scissors AT the cone, explode past.

⏱ 6-9 min
Step by step
  1. Approach the defender with the ball central and controlled
  2. Step around the ball with your right foot (inside to outside)
  3. Immediately step around with your left foot the same way
  4. On the second scissor, push the ball out with the outside of your right
  5. Accelerate into the opened space
Coaching tips
  • Rhythm matters - quick-quick feet, then a burst
  • Keep the ball close between the scissors or you lose it
  • Do not over-scissor - two is plenty in a game, more just slows you
  • Head up on the exit to see the next pass or shot
▶ Watch examples

La Croqueta

IntermediateU11+

In a game: Slip between two defenders in tight space - a quick inside-to-inside push that shifts the ball across your body.

Cone setup
two defendersslip through

Two cones close together as two defenders. Player croquetas the ball through the gap and accelerates.

⏱ 6-9 min
Step by step
  1. Receive or dribble with a defender closing from the side
  2. Push the ball from the inside of one foot to the inside of the other
  3. Do it in ONE quick motion, shifting the ball across your body
  4. Change your running angle as the ball moves
  5. Accelerate through the gap you just created
Coaching tips
  • Speed is everything - the whole move is one fluid beat
  • Iniesta made this famous in tight midfield - show the clip
  • Keep it low and tight, the ball barely leaves the ground
  • Use it to enter the box or escape a double-team
▶ Watch examples

The Maradona (Roulette)

AdvancedU12+

In a game: Spin away from a defender in a tight spot while shielding the ball with your body - the ultimate escape under pressure.

Cone setup
defenderturn + go

One cone as the defender. Player spins around the cone, keeping the cone (defender) on the outside of the turn.

⏱ 8-10 min
Step by step
  1. Approach with the ball, defender closing in front
  2. Drag the ball back with the sole of one foot as you start to spin
  3. Spin your body 180 degrees over the ball
  4. Drag it again with the sole of the other foot to complete the turn
  5. Come out of the spin accelerating with the ball protected
Coaching tips
  • Both sole-drags must be smooth - practice the footwork slowly first
  • Your body shields the ball through the whole spin
  • Named for Maradona (also called the roulette or 360) - iconic clip available
  • Advanced timing - only worth it once the basics are automatic
▶ Watch examples

The Elastico

AdvancedU13+

In a game: Snap a defender the wrong way with one foot - push the ball out with the outside, then whip it back inside instantly.

Cone setup
defenderexplode past

One cone as the defender. Player performs the elastico at the cone, exiting on the inside.

⏱ 8-10 min
Step by step
  1. Dribble at the defender with the ball slightly ahead
  2. Push the ball to the outside with the outside of your foot
  3. In the SAME motion, snap the same foot around to bring it back inside
  4. The ball flicks out then darts inside - one lightning beat
  5. Accelerate inside past the beaten defender
Coaching tips
  • This is a wrist-flick of the foot - all in the ankle
  • Ronaldinho and Ronaldo mastered it - inspiring clips available
  • Very hard - expect weeks of practice before it works in a game
  • Learn it stationary, then walking, before any defender
▶ Watch examples

Body Feint

BeginnerU8+

In a game: Beat a defender with no touch on the ball at all - just drop a shoulder and shift your weight to send them the wrong way.

Cone setup
defenderexplode past

One cone as the defender. Exaggerate the lean at the cone, push out the far side.

⏱ 5-7 min
Step by step
  1. Dribble straight at the defender
  2. Drop your shoulder and lean your body one direction
  3. Take a small step that way to sell it
  4. As the defender shifts, push the ball the OTHER way
  5. Accelerate past on the open side
Coaching tips
  • The most game-realistic move - used constantly by pros
  • No fancy footwork, just convincing body movement
  • Great first move for young players to build confidence 1v1
  • Sell it with your whole body, not just a nod
▶ Watch examples

Drag Back

BeginnerU8+

In a game: Escape a defender in front or reverse direction to keep possession - drag the ball back with your sole and go.

Cone setup
defenderturn + go

One cone as the pressure point. Drag back at the cone, exit at an angle.

⏱ 4-6 min
Step by step
  1. Dribble toward pressure or the touchline
  2. Place the sole of your foot on top of the ball
  3. Drag it backward, away from the defender
  4. Turn to open your body to the field
  5. Accelerate away in the new direction
Coaching tips
  • Simple and safe - a great possession-keeping tool
  • Get your body between the ball and the defender as you turn
  • Foundation for the V-pull and more advanced turns
  • Both feet - practice dragging with each sole
▶ Watch examples

The Nutmeg

IntermediateU10+

In a game: Push the ball through a defenders legs and collect it behind - humbling, effective when the gap is there.

Cone setup
legsball throughrun around

Two cones with a gap as the defenders legs. Push the ball through, run around, collect.

⏱ 5-7 min
Step by step
  1. Dribble at a defender who has their legs apart
  2. Spot the gap between their feet
  3. Push the ball firmly through the gap with your instep
  4. Accelerate AROUND the defender (not into them)
  5. Collect the ball on the other side and go
Coaching tips
  • Timing - only try it when the legs are actually open
  • Push it firm enough to get through but not so hard you lose it
  • Read the defender, do not force it - a failed meg loses the ball
  • A confidence and love-of-the-game move - celebrate a good one
▶ Watch examples
No moves match your search.
Tricks build a love of the game and elite ball control. They are best used as free-play stations, end-of-session rewards, or homework challenges - not drilled like tactics. Celebrate every first success; the joy is the point, and the touch it builds transfers to everything.

Around the World

Intermediate

Why it matters: A juggling trick where you circle your foot fully around the ball in the air. Pure joy and control.

How to do it
  1. Pop the ball up off your foot to about waist height
  2. As it hangs, circle your foot all the way around the ball
  3. Catch it back on your laces and continue juggling
  4. Start with one rotation, build to consecutive ones
⚽
Coach setup: Individual, one ball each, in open space. No equipment. Great as a fun station or homework challenge. ⏱ Free-play / homework
Coaching tips
  • Learn the pop-up first, then add the circle
  • Slow the ball down at the top of the pop to give time for the rotation
  • Celebrate every first success - this is a love-of-the-game trick
  • Set a class challenge: who can get their first around-the-world by Friday
▶ Watch examples

The Rainbow Flick

Advanced

Why it matters: Flick the ball up and over your own head from behind - the showstopper that makes players fall in love with the game.

How to do it
  1. Roll the ball up the back of one heel with the other foot
  2. Trap it briefly between your heel and the other shin
  3. Flick both legs up and forward to launch the ball over your head
  4. Run onto it as it lands in front of you
⚽
Coach setup: Individual, one ball each, open grass. Best learned on soft ground for the trap. ⏱ Free-play / reward
Coaching tips
  • The trap between heel and shin is the hard part - practice that alone
  • Neymar made this iconic - show the highlight reel for inspiration
  • Pure fun - do not force it in games, but it lights up practice
  • A great end-of-session reward challenge
▶ Watch examples

The Sombrero Flick

Intermediate

Why it matters: Flick the ball up and over a defender behind you, then spin and collect - creative escape and pure flair.

How to do it
  1. With a defender close behind, get your foot under the ball
  2. Flick it up and backward over both your heads
  3. Spin quickly to one side
  4. Collect the ball behind the beaten defender and go
⚽
Coach setup: Pairs - one player as a passive defender behind. One ball. Small space. ⏱ Free-play
Coaching tips
  • Get real height on the flick to clear the defender
  • The spin must be quick - practice the flick-and-turn as one motion
  • A confidence builder for creative players
  • Encourage trying it in small-sided games for fun
▶ Watch examples

Hocus Pocus

Advanced

Why it matters: A wrap-around elastico variation behind the standing leg - dazzling close control that wows a crowd.

How to do it
  1. Dribble with the ball slightly ahead
  2. Wrap your foot around the ball behind your standing leg
  3. Push it one way with the outside, snap it back with the inside
  4. All behind the standing leg in one motion
  5. Accelerate out
⚽
Coach setup: Individual, cones optional as reference. Open space. Advanced players only. ⏱ Free-play / challenge
Coaching tips
  • Master the standard elastico first
  • This is showboat territory - great for skills challenges and fun
  • Very difficult - frame it as a long-term challenge
  • Slow motion practice is essential
▶ Watch examples

Knuckleball Strike

Advanced

Why it matters: Strike a dead ball so it dips and swerves unpredictably - the free-kick technique that makes players want to practice for hours.

How to do it
  1. Place the ball and take a short, straight run-up
  2. Strike through the CENTER of the ball with a firm, flat foot
  3. Minimal follow-through - punch it and stop
  4. The lack of spin makes it knuckle and dip in the air
  5. Aim over a wall and down into the goal
⚽
Coach setup: Individual or small group with a keeper. Balls and a goal. A wall of mannequins optional. ⏱ Free-play / competition
Coaching tips
  • Contact point is everything - dead center, firm foot, stop the follow-through
  • Ronaldo and Juninho are the masters - show their free kicks
  • Pure love-of-the-game skill - players will practice this for fun
  • Set up a free-kick competition to make it a game
▶ Watch examples

Around-the-Ball Juggle Catch

Beginner

Why it matters: Juggle, then trap the ball dead on the back of your neck or your foot - control tricks that build touch and delight.

How to do it
  1. Juggle the ball to a comfortable height
  2. Let it drop toward your neck or thigh
  3. Relax the surface to cushion and trap it dead
  4. Hold the balance, then flick it back up to continue
⚽
Coach setup: Individual, one ball, open space. A fun free-play or warm-up station. ⏱ Free-play / warm-up
Coaching tips
  • Cushioning is the skill - go soft on contact to kill the bounce
  • Start with a thigh trap, progress to the neck catch
  • A gentle, achievable trick that builds confidence and touch
  • Great for younger players to feel success
▶ Watch examples
No tricks match your search.
Juggling is the fastest way to build a soft first touch. Follow the progression in order - start beginners on popcorn (bounce) juggling so they have time to react, then remove the bounce as they improve. Allow catch-and-restart to keep motivation high, and track personal bests on a board.

1. Popcorn Juggling (Bounce)

BeginnerU6+

The goal: The entry point - let the ball bounce once off the ground between each touch, so beginners have time to react.

Progression steps
  1. Drop the ball so it bounces once on the ground
  2. As it comes up, tap it gently with your laces back into the air
  3. Let it bounce on the ground again
  4. Tap it up again - bounce, tap, bounce, tap
  5. Count how many bounce-taps you can string together
⚽
Coach setup: Individual, one ball each. Hard flat surface for a predictable bounce. Whole team spread out. ⏱ 5-8 min
Coaching tips
  • The bounce gives beginners TIME - do not skip this stage
  • Gentle taps straight up, not forward
  • Set achievable targets: 3 in a row, then 5, then 10
  • Celebrate every personal best - this is where love of juggling starts
▶ Watch examples

2. Thigh Juggles

BeginnerU7+

The goal: Introduce the thigh as a big, forgiving surface - easier than the foot for keeping the ball up with control.

Progression steps
  1. Drop the ball onto your thigh, kept flat and level
  2. Bounce it straight up off the middle of your thigh
  3. Keep your thigh parallel to the ground on contact
  4. Alternate thighs as you improve
  5. Combine with a bounce between if needed
⚽
Coach setup: Individual, one ball. Open space. Can allow a hand-drop restart each time. ⏱ 5-8 min
Coaching tips
  • Thigh flat and level - a sloped thigh sends the ball away
  • Bounce it only knee-to-waist high for control
  • Big forgiving surface - great confidence builder before foot juggles
  • Allow a catch-and-restart so players stay motivated
▶ Watch examples

3. Foot / Laces Juggles

IntermediateU8+

The goal: The core juggling skill - keeping the ball up off the laces, building the touch that transfers to every part of the game.

Progression steps
  1. Drop the ball onto the laces of one foot, toes slightly up
  2. Bounce it straight up to about waist height
  3. Keep your ankle locked and toes pointed slightly upward
  4. Catch it back on the laces and repeat
  5. Progress from one foot, to alternating feet
⚽
Coach setup: Individual, one ball. Open space. Start with a bounce allowed between touches, then remove it. ⏱ 8-10 min
Coaching tips
  • Toes up, ankle locked - a floppy ankle sends it everywhere
  • Strike the ball with the laces, not the toes
  • Progression: bounce-allowed, then one touch, then two in a row, building up
  • Track personal records on a board to fuel motivation
▶ Watch examples

4. Header Juggles

IntermediateU10+

The goal: Juggling with the forehead - builds heading confidence and comfort with the ball in the air.

Progression steps
  1. Toss the ball up above your forehead
  2. Contact it with your FOREHEAD (hairline), not the top of the head
  3. Keep your eyes open and neck firm
  4. Bounce it gently straight up off the forehead
  5. Start with one header and a catch, build to consecutive
⚽
Coach setup: Individual, one ball. Open space. Softer ball for young players to build confidence. ⏱ 5-8 min
Coaching tips
  • Forehead, eyes open, firm neck - never the top of the head
  • Small gentle contacts, not big nods
  • Builds heading confidence in a fun, low-pressure way
  • One header then catch first, then two in a row, then more
▶ Watch examples

5. Traditional Freestyle Juggling

AdvancedU11+

The goal: Continuous juggling across all surfaces - feet, thighs, head - the full skill that shows complete ball mastery.

Progression steps
  1. Start the ball up off the laces
  2. Keep it alive using both feet, both thighs, and the head
  3. Move your body to stay under the ball
  4. Use soft, controlled touches to keep it central
  5. Build a long consecutive count across all surfaces
⚽
Coach setup: Individual, one ball. Open space. Ongoing challenge - set team and personal records. ⏱ 10+ min / homework
Coaching tips
  • Small touches keep the ball central and controllable
  • Stay relaxed and move your feet - do not reach
  • Set a team challenge and a personal-best board to drive practice
  • This is the payoff of the whole progression - make it a badge of honor
▶ Watch examples
No juggling drills match your search.
CoachKit Skills Library • Teach one skill per session • Progress from unopposed to opposed