Best 1v1 Soccer Moves For Youth Players

An offensive player becomes dangerous when they can go by their defender consistently. To do so, you need an arsenal of 1v1 soccer moves in your soccer toolbelt!

Individual soccer moves can help you beat defenders and create more scoring opportunities for yourself and your team.

From the elastico to the cut, there are plenty of 1v1 moves to choose from, each with its unique benefits.

With practice, dedication, and execution, you can learn to execute these moves with precision and confidence, giving you the edge you need to beat defenders and score goals.

Seriously, try these. Practice these. Do them in games.

The Best 1v1 Soccer Moves (Videos Included)

As a player, you never want to complicate what you are doing.

With that said, here are some of the best 1v1 soccer moves. These are easy to practice getting better at.

Simple Change of Pace

One of the most effective ways to beat a defender is to change your speed. When your defender is on their heels, a simple change of pace can get you quickly by a defender.

If you are running at full speed, slow down for a moment and then accelerate past the defender. This will often catch them off guard and give you the space you need to make a play.

Youth soccer players want to do all the fancy footwork but changing your pace will work 85% of the time.

Step Over

The Step Over is a classic move that can be used to trick defenders.

To do a step over, step over the ball with your dominant foot, as if you are going to kick it. Then, quickly shift your weight to your other foot and push the ball in the opposite direction.

Check out the video above 👆

Scissors Move

The Scissors can fake a defender thinking you’re going one direction while you go the other way.

To do a Scissors, step over the ball with your dominant foot, then bring it back behind your other foot. Quickly step around the ball with your other foot and push it in the opposite direction.

Maradona Turn

The Maradona turn is a move made famous by Argentine soccer legend Diego Maradona.

To do a Maradona turn, stop the ball with your dominant foot, then quickly turn your body so that your non-dominant foot is facing the ball. Use your non-dominant foot to drag the ball behind your body, then push it in the opposite direction with your dominant foot.

Simple Nutmeg

The nutmeg move is a move that involves passing the ball through the defender’s legs.

To do a Nutmeg, approach the defender as if you are going to pass the ball to one side, then quickly pass it through their legs and run past them.

The Ronaldo Chop Soccer Move

The Ronaldo chop is a move made famous by Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo. To do a Ronaldo chop, step over the ball with your dominant foot, then quickly chop it back in the opposite direction with your non-dominant foot.

The Elastico

The elastico is a move that involves quickly changing direction. To do an elastico, push the ball to one side with the outside of your foot, then quickly bring it back in the opposite direction with the inside of your foot.

Final Thoughts

You now have a better understanding of some of the best 1v1 soccer moves that can help you beat defenders and improve your game. Remember to practice these moves regularly, so you can master them and use them effectively during a game.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• The cut is an effective move that involves shielding the ball with your body and quickly changing direction to get past the defender.
• The stepover is a classic move that involves faking a direction change with your foot to trick the defender and get past them.
• The scissors is a move that involves faking a pass or shot with your foot to trick the defender and get past them.
• The elastico is a more advanced move that involves a quick change of direction with your foot to trick the defender and get past them.

Remember, it’s not just about mastering these moves, but also using them effectively during a game. Be patient, and don’t force the move if it’s not the right time. Keep practicing, and you’ll soon find yourself beating defenders with ease.