6 Soccer Dribbling Moves to Get by a Defender

Making a pass will get you from point A to point B quicker. Your coach will tell you passing is better than dribbling.

But this isn’t always the case! In some situations, dribbling by a defender is the right move.

More times than not, dribbling in a direct line will get the ball stolen. It’s easy for a defender to anticipate what your next move is because there is no next move!

For this reason, you should have an arsenal of moves in your soccer toolkit.

What are the best soccer dribbling moves to get by a defender? Here is a good list to start. I’ve included videos of each month. This is the best way to learn.

These moves are ideal for players 8-13. After a few years of playing, these moves should be second nature to you.

They are in order of difficulty so practice them in order! Remember, development is a process.

What Are the Best Dribbling Moves?

The Stepover

This is a great technique that you can use to fake out a defender who is chasing you down the pitch.

This is called the “stepover” because you are stepping over the ball and then tapping it in the opposite direction that you were going.

If you sell your body going one way, you can lose your defender quickly.

The Pullback

This is a way to fake out your defender and pull away with the ball going the other way.

This is a great move when a defender is coming at you but lunges to get the ball. Their momentum will be the opposite of yours.

This creates an advantage for you to get around them.

The Scissor

This is similar to the stepover, but instead of stepping over the ball, you will be faking a touch from your dominant foot.

This will trick your defender into thinking you are going in one direction but you go the other way.

The Cruyff Turn

This is a great way to defend the ball and escape your defender at the same time.

Essentially, you will be faking a shot or pass and then making a quick turn. This move makes the defender think you are doing one thing but you continue to possess the ball.

The Ronaldo Chop

This is a good move to use against an aggressive defender.

This move is quick and will also shield the ball against toe pokes from the defender.

Use this move when you are running across the pitch and a defender is coming at you head-on.

The Maradona Turn

This flashy move is named after the legendary football player Diego Maradona.

This move is quite flashy. If it’s done effectively, it will leave your defender confused about what you just did to them.

Final Thoughts

Each of these dribbling moves in this article will require a lot of practice.

The key is to first go slow and understand the technique and then repeat, repeat, repeat.

To be unstoppable on the field, you have to put the reps in.

I don’t recommend trying these moves right out the gate during a game. Try them in your backyard first.

Once you feel comfortable, try them in practice.

And, once you find success in a practice setting, then go out and shake your opponents in a game!