When it comes to football, there is no doubt that one of the best parts of watching a game is the individual creativity, skill, and flare that each player brings to the pitch. World-class players and amateurs alike come up with new football tricks every year, allowing them to get out of some seriously sticky situations (all whilst spicing up the game).
Whether you’ve been playing for years or have just started out, you’ve probably heard of some of the more famous football tricks.
From the Maradona Turn to The Chop, the Scissor Kick, and the Around the World, the list is literally endless.
Well, despite the fact that we don’t have the time (or knowledge) to give you a full list of football tricks, we’ve compiled some of the most famous ones in this article so that you can learn some new skills to bring to the pitch.
Top 10 football tricks to take your game to the next level…
In this list, we share 10 football tricks that can help you take your game to the next level while giving you a little flare on the pitch.
1. Names of Football Skills: The Cruyff Turn
Number one on our list of football tricks has to be the Cruyff Turn. The Cruyff Turn is, of course, named after the legendary Ajax, Barcelona and Netherlands player Johan Cruyff.
Cruyff was as innovative in his playing days as he was in his coaching roles (his ‘total football’ managerial philosophy remains hugely influential today).
What is the Cruyff Turn?
This move is all about changing direction when the ball is rolling forward. You start off by first stepping in front of the ball with your standing foot. Then, bring your strong foot towards the ball and tap it through your legs with the inside of the foot. You then sprint after the ball to complete the move. Make sure to keep your knees bent and use your upper body for the turn to sell the effect even more.
Football tricks
2. Names of Football Skills: The Drag Pack
Number two on our list of football skills and techniques is unofficially called the drag pack.
This is a great move if you’re stuck in a tight situation with your opponent right in front of you. When the ball is in front of you, start off by dragging it back with the sole of your strong foot.
Then, as the ball goes behind your standing foot, you simply tap it 90 degrees with the inside of your strong foot and run after the ball.
It’s one of the most effective basic football skills that can also be used for passing the ball to your teammate.
Football tricks
Here are additional resources for 5 a side football tips. 3. Names of Football Skills: The Classic Step Over
The basic step over is the third football skill on our list. In most cases, this is one of the first 101 football tricks that players learn and, the point of the stepover is to make your opponent think you’re going one way before suddenly changing direction.
The move is really simple. All you have to do is use your weak foot to make a full circle around the ball and, just as you place your foot back on the ground, tap the ball to the opposite direction with the outside of your strong foot.
Once again, the key here is to drop your shoulder and use your upper body to make it look like you’re heading one way before leaving your defender confused (and in the dust).