How to beat a defender with a move!

Parents and Friends,

There are few things as exciting in soccer than seeing an attacker throw a move and go past a defender at pace.

 And when it comes to youth soccer it’s VITAL that every kid has quality moves in their locker to beat a defender in a 1v1 situation.

 That player will be much more confident and aggressive on the field when they are confronting what is often their immediate opponent (e.g. right midfielder vs. left back).

 And if a kid can win that battle consistently then they can become a go-to player. Their teammates give them the ball!

At Soccer 1:1 we teach a minimum of TEN moves to every player in the program.

The Mathews is one of the best-known fakes in the game and these are my step-by-step tips:

•  Attack the defender with speed.
• DROP YOUR SHOULDER to lead the defender one way.
• Touch the ball forward to that same side with the inside of the foot.
• Hop with the supporting foot on contact with the ball.
• Use the outside of the foot to take the ball to the opposite side.
• Use a quick explosion of pace to get away.
• As always, practice with both feet and lots of REPETITIONS!

Talk soon,
Patrick
Soccer 1:1

P.S. On February 10th I will be running a free skills clinic in San Francisco. You can click here to register your child and I will keep it open for the first 10 players that register online.