Trouble dribbling a soccer ball? Watch the following tips to properly dribble a soccer ball.
Dribbling is the ability to run with the ball at your feet, is one of the most important basic skills of football (soccer). Good footwork means better control of the football, and better control leads to more goals. This video outlines the steps you can take to improve your dribbling ability, from a simple walk to a flat-out sprint.
When you dribble with speed move your arms as you would when you sprint without the ball.
Keep your arms out at all times when dribbling around defenders. You can use them to brush past players, improve your balance, and keep players farther away from you.
An athletic position will help you remain balanced. Good balance will help you cut quickly in any direction while retaining control of the ball.
When dribbling you should feel relaxed and comfortable. Center your position of gravity, bend your knees slightly, and keep your back straight (or lean forward slightly).
Every good speed and agility trainer will tell you to land on the front of your feet. Landing on your heels will slow you down and reduce your balance.
Land on the front of your feet every step, whether you are dribbling forward with your laces or cutting across your body using an inside touch.
When you dribble forward your place foot (foot not dribbling the ball) should push off the ground just like you are sprinting or jogging.
When you cut to change directions your place foot should hop slightly. This makes the movement quick and natural and helps you retain balance.
Speed and agility coaches will tell you to raise your knees high to build momentum (thus increasing speed).
Most players have little or no knee movement, which reduces their speed when dribbling (and running in general).
Having said that, I don’t feel raising your knees super high is necessary. I improved my dribbling speed when I started lifting them high, but discovered lifting knees to a moderate height resulted in an ideal speed.
So I recommend raising your knees up to a moderate height to maximize your dribbling and sprinting speed.
