Add these change of direction dribbling drills to your homework plan and feel the improvement instantly. When practicing dribbling, it’s important to first go slow and smooth. Once you feel clean with the ball build your speed. A different, yet similar post is this turning 180° sharp, but this article today is on slight change of direction.
When you will change direction in a game
You’ll need to change direction in all parts of the field…
Whether you’re a defender, midfielder or striker there will be times when you need to change directions. You could be under pressure or with time on the ball.
Turning and changing direction is great for going against players who are faster or stronger than you…
Even though someone has more speed, they don’t know when you’re going to stop or turn. Therefore, the advantage goes to you.
Just be smart and know when it’s time to pass…
Some players can dribble well, but end up losing it because they don’t pass in time.
Yes, take risks but don’t be that player who loses the ball all the time or the skill means nothing.
Change of direction soccer drills ↓
Practical ↑
3 more drills below…
- Iniesta/La Croqueta: Pull back, step down and tap or sweep with the same foot to get away.
- Pull back and touch with the same foot before stepping down. Good for tight quick situations. The opposite foot has to hop or slide back to get out of the way.
- The L turn [a classic] is one of the best ‘change of direction’ moves.
Advanced ↓
The space you need to practice
All you need is a 2×4 yard area to work on these types of drills.
Find more ways to improve in a 5×5 yard space here
Your attitude and mindset play a huge role in continued development.
Some players think that because they know something that there’s no need to practice it… Wrong!
The best athletes work on simple things all the time!
Kobe Bryant, R7, Messi, Michael Jordan, Carli Lloyd, Tom Brady come to mind…
“Mentality matters more than you know…”
→ Watch how much Neymar changes direction
Freestyle training
It’s obvious that players need to be taught certain skills…
On the contrary, players don’t need to be “remote controlled” all practice long. Meaning, coaches should allow and encourage players to play with freedom.
↓ Watch Jillian [D1 college player] working with me on dribbling, receiving, passing and shooting. Notice how she changes direction using different moves. At this point the movements are natural for her due to the amount of time she has spent training on her own.
Most skillful players I credit to their dedication. They implement what they learn and put in the work at home.
Fun and competitive reaction drill [mirror]
Great drill for all ages!
At least 2 players needed.
1 ball with one of the two players, while the other person doesn’t have a ball.
The attacking player has the ball and the defending player tries to mirror them [stay in front]
Defender doesn’t steal the ball or cross over the imaginary line.
The goal is for the attacking player to lose the defender by getting to one of the cones first.
U11 team competition ↓
Do this ↑ 15 seconds to 1 minute.
How long depends on your team/groups situation…
Maybe you want to use it for fitness. On the contrary, it might be 103° outside making shorter spurts better for you.
“Players love to compete, so give them competition.”
Coaching points for change of direction
The first thing that comes to mind is do these slow focusing on good form.
Too many ‘skills trainers and coaches’ say “go faster” or “slow feet don’t eat” but these are people who didn’t play at a high level.
Whether you’re a beginner just learning or a pro, you need to go slow at times… Sometimes in a game you want to go slow to bait defenders and as they think they are going to steal the ball, you surprise them with quickness.
Yes, practice fast also, but to keep your muscle memory smooth – slowly is best.
What I like to do is mix the speeds…
Start off doing 4 of them slow and then try 2-4 fast.
After that, move on to the next move/turn.
Know that there will be times you need to stop the ball and then turn, where other situations you change direction without stopping.
In addition, work on looking up once you feel the movements are clean.
How to improve your vision with the ball
Most people think you should look up at your teammates when dribbling…
It’s not wrong BUT…
There are other places to look depending on your situation.
3 places to look when the balls at your feet:
- At your teammates or the defenders to see who’s open. Finding the numerical advantage.
- Sometimes you have to look down at the ball. Example: When it’s too far under your feet or when there is heavy pressure from defenders.
- Look out in front 3-5 yards with your chin up. This way you can see everything [ball and players]. This (#3) is what most people never learn. You’re welcome:)
Keeping your chin up makes the difference when it comes to seeing everything at once.
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