How to Do a Body Feint

Body feints in soccer not only look cool but it is also very effective during a game.

Players who can introduce body feints into their offensive arsenal add unpredictability and deception to their movements. Done right, you keep the defenders guessing.

Key Takeaways From This Article:

A body feint in soccer is when you fake your body in one direction without moving the ball.
The key to executing a body feint is to make it look convincing. You need to really sell it.
A body feint is sometimes difficult to pull off because you need to have good balance and immediately proceed in the other direction with the ball.

This move is a deceptive technique used in soccer to trick your opponents and create an opportunity to attack. It involves a sudden shift in your body weight and direction to fake out your opponent and create space for yourself.

In this article, you will learn the exact steps to perform a body feint and how to incorporate it into your soccer game.

What is a Body Feint?

A body feint is a deceptive move that soccer players use to trick their opponents into thinking they’re going one way when they’re actually going in another direction

It’s a great way to create space, get past defenders, and create scoring opportunities.

In youth soccer, body feints are extra effective if you are a quicker player. Quicker and more agile players can change direction more easily. As a result, the defender needs to make quick decisions. By faking one way and going the other way, the defender will most likely honor your speed and bite on the move. I’ve seen this happen many times and it’s typically the smaller players who can use this move more effectively.

One of the best things about the body feint is that it can be used in a variety of situations. Whether you’re dribbling toward the goal, trying to get past a defender, or just looking to create space, a well-executed body feint can be a game-changer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Doing a Body Feint

Starting Position

Stand with the ball at your feet and your feet shoulder-width apart.
Keep your head up and your eyes on the defender.
Plant your non-dominant foot firmly on the ground.

Performing the Feint

Shift your weight onto your non-dominant foot.
Quickly shift your weight back to your dominant foot.
Move your dominant foot in a feinting motion, as if you’re going to make a move in that direction.
Quickly move your dominant foot back to its original position.
Take advantage of the defender’s reaction to the feint and make your move.

Recovery & Change of Direction

After completing the feint, quickly shift your weight back to your non-dominant foot.
Keep your head up and your eyes on the ball.
Continue your run or make your next move.

Remember, a body feint is all about deception. The key is to sell the fake move with your body and then quickly move in the opposite direction.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When performing a body feint, there are several common mistakes that beginners tend to make. Here are a few things to keep in mind to avoid these mistakes:

1. Telegraphing Your Move

One of the most common mistakes is telegraphing your move. This means that you are giving away your intentions simply from your body movements.

To avoid this mistake, make sure that you keep your movements subtle and natural.

Your body should move as if you are going to make a real move, but at the last moment, you should change direction.

2. Overcommitting

Overcommitting means that you are putting too much energy into your initial direction, which can make it difficult to recover if your opponent doesn’t fall for it. This can cause you to lose your balance and possibly stumble your way into an ineffective move.

To avoid this mistake, make sure that you keep your movements controlled and relaxed. You should be able to quickly recover if your feint doesn’t work.

3. Not Reading Your Opponent

Reading your opponent and predicting what your opponent will do next is key.

When your eyes are down, you are not paying attention to your opponent’s movements and reactions, which can make it difficult to know when to make your move.

Make sure that you are constantly observing your opponent and looking for any signs that they are about to make a move.

4. Being Too Predictable

Being too predictable means that you are always using the same feint or making the same move, which can make it easy for your opponent to anticipate your next move.

I’ve seen this happen many times in youth soccer. A player uses the body feint with success and they try to use it for the rest of the game. Smart defenders will figure it out and stand their ground.

Here are 6 dribbling skills you should incorporate into your toolbelt of soccer moves.

Tips for Mastering Body Feints

When it comes to body feints, there are some tips you can follow to help you master this technique. Here are some suggestions to keep in mind:

Conclusion

You now know how to perform effective body feints. Now, use what you’ve learned to practice this skill.

Body feints can be practiced in the backyard with a ball or even in the living room without a ball. The key is to first start with your body and make each move look natural.

To recap, here are some key takeaways to keep in mind:

A body feint is a deceptive movement used to trick your opponent into thinking you are going one way, when in fact you are going another.
To perform a body feint, you need to use your body language to sell the fake. This means shifting your weight, moving your arms, and looking in the opposite direction of where you want to go.
Practice is key. The more you practice your body feint, the more natural it will become and the more effective it will be against your opponents.

Remember, a body feint is just one tool in your arsenal. Use it wisely and sparingly, and always be aware of your surroundings on the field. Keep practicing!