The sight of a player using dribbling skills to beat an opponent and score a well-earned goal is one of the most exciting plays in soccer. Many people view dribbling as an art or talent that a player is born with, but it is a skill that can be acquired and improved.

What is difficult to develop in a player is creativity. Creativity is the thing that separates a good dribbler from a great one. Players have different dribbling styles. Some run with long strides, some with short choppy steps. Each player has his own style, and it is up to the coach to help each player develop to his or her potential.

Dribbling by its very nature involves pressure of an opponent. We would like to distinguish between dribbling movement, which is characterized by close control, touching the ball almost every step while under pressure of an opponent, and driving, which refers to the act of a player running with the ball without opposition, taking long strides, pushing the ball ahead, and running after it. Dribbling is performed using all the major surfaces of the foot: top, bottom, inside and outside. To dribble, a player does not kick the ball but rather the ball is pushed, nudged and caressed. Young players need to become comfortable with the ball using all the surfaces of the foot.

Effective attacking players must have the ability to beat an opponent when dribbling in the attacking third of the field. There are several key points to make when instructing players on how to beat an opponent.

Keep it simple

Attack front foot of defender Incorporate a feint/fake with a change of direction to unbalance opponent Try to cut the ball toward back of opponent Employ a change of pace from slow/moderate during the move to an explosive burst at the end If the opponent is retreating then attack at speed The best way to learn how to beat an opponent is to play 1 vs. 1

(American Youth Soccer Organization - a nonprofit corporation dedicated to youth soccer)