Turning on the Soccer Ball
The Cruyff Turn
As you might have guessed from the title, now we get to turning on the soccer ball! The Cruyff Turn was one of the first turns I learnt when I first started playing soccer. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s named after Johan Cruyff- a famous Dutch soccer player (or footballer). The basic idea is that you can change the way you are going and turn back the other way. You can then run free of the defender or have a bit more time to cross the ball: GENIUS! I really like this turn: it’s fantastic- and I’m a big fan of Dutch soccer players in general. So why not read all about how this turn’s done and then go and put it into practice?
1) Run with the ball
2) Get level with the ball
3) Bring your kicking foot up in front of the ball
4) Twist yor kicking foot to the side
5) Wrap the inside of your kicking foot around the ball and pull the ball back in the other direction
6) Turn your body quickly to follow the ball and take advantage of the defender’s suprise
7) Either run with it again or cross it into the box So there you have it: The Cruyff Turn.
The Drag Back
Ok so maybe this one’s a bit less special- but it’s still a must know. After all, it can be used to change direction and get free from a defender! You may have seen it done already, but here’s the break down of how to do it.
1) Run with the ball at your feet
2) Lift your foot above the ball
3) Bring the bottom of your kicking boot down onto the top of the ball
4) Roll your foot backwards so the ball rolls backwards with it
5) Turn your body around quickly and find the ball at your feet
6) Pass, cross or dribble I think that should be quite do-able so why not give it a go?
Throw Your Marker
Now here’s a more difficult turn that is only normally used by strikers with their back to goal. If you’re a striker or want to be a striker, then this is an important soccer skill for you.
1) You receive the soccer ball with your back to goal and a defender is standing right behind you- harrying you for
the ball2) Lean against the defender to stop them getting the ball
3) Turn your body one way against their’s in a rolling movement
4) Use your arms to balance and guide the ball with the outside of your foot the same way you have moved
5) You are now side on to the goal with your body between the ball and the defender
6) You can now sprint with the ball or more likely shoot as you have just gained half a yard of space by throwing your marker
So that’s three different turns with the soccer ball. But maybe you could try taking a throw in now you’ve mastered turning on the soccer ball
