5 Football Skills To Beat Defenders

One key aspect of a successful attacking football player is the ability to effectively use various skills to outmanoeuvre opponents.

These skills are used by some of the world’s best creative players to escape tight situations or to create space for goal-scoring opportunities. Which indicates that they are proven to work.

So, it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an experienced player. Mastering these five essential football skills allows you to dominate defenders in a 1vs1 situation.

1. Step-Over

2. Double Step-Over

3. Reverse Elastico

4. Drag Back

5. The Chop
   

1. Step-Over

The step-over is one of the most commonly used skills in football and was first performed by Argentine striker Pedro Calomino in the early 1900s. It’s a simple but highly effective skill if executed right.

The idea is to fake a move in one direction by making a quick circle around the ball and exiting in the opposite direction.

The number of skilful footballers who regularly incorporate this trick into their game proves how effective it can be.

2. Double Step-Over

This advanced progression of the traditional step-over is used to deceive or confuse opponents and create space for the player to attack.

To perform a double step-over, quickly circle one foot around the front of the ball and then the other. Explode away to the side.

Football players such as Ronaldo or Neymar are one of the most notable players who often use this valuable skill to beat defenders.

3. Reverse Elastico

This skill, also known as the reverse flip flap, is a dribbling move that involves quickly changing direction to escape tight situations. It can be advantageous to get some separation between you and a defender.

Tap the ball with the inside of your chosen foot, followed by a rapid change to the outside.

Perform this skill with speed to give defenders less time to react.

4. Drag Back

This famous football skill manoeuvre can be used to change direction and avoid an opponent.

Position the foot you’re dragging back with on top of the ball. Drag the ball back and lightly tap it with the inside of your foot in your desired direction. Accelerate away with speed to get away from your opponent.

Remember to be aware of your surroundings, so you can move into empty space without additional pressure from any defender.

5. The Chop

The Chop is a popular and effective skill move made famous by Cristiano Ronaldo. It’s a move used to quickly change direction while dribbling, sending your defender the wrong way.

While dribbling, use the inside of your desired foot to cut in the other direction. Make sure to lift your standing foot off the ground simultaneously.

This football skill is often used by wingers and modern full-backs. It is best used from the flanks.

Final Thoughts

To become a successful attacking player, you must be able to beat defenders. The above-listed football/soccer skills have been proven to be the most effective for dominating 1vs1 scenarios on the football field. Some of the world’s top creative football players have used them to escape tight situations. Add these skills into your training program until they become second nature.