Soccer Dribbling Tutorial

Before a player even learns anything else, he or she needs to dribble.  Dribbling allows players to control the ball, keeping possession of it.  It is the foundation of every soccer player; and therefore should be mastered.

The Dribbling Stance

1.  Hands in athletic position.
Many American player's hand hang limply at there sides (I would know), but moving your hands has benefits.  You don't want to think about your hands at all, but moving them athletically will improve your balance and help you fake out your opponent.
2.  Remain upright, shoulders back.
Leaning over will cause you to lose balance, and will decrease your speed.  A good upright posture will allow you full comfort while allowing you to dribble at your best.
3.  Knees Slightly Bent
Bending your knees will improve your balance, help you cut easier, and make your knees less prone to injury.

The Parts of the Foot    

• Outside
• Inside
• Bottom or sole
• Top or laces

To be an efficient dribbler you need to utilize all the parts of your foot.  Once you master the touch of every part, you will be able to string together moves.  

Outside:

The outside of your foot is used to cut either left or right depending on which foot the ball is at.  The outside of your right foot will allow you to cut left while your outside left foot allows you to cut right. 

Inside:

The inside of your feet is the opposite of the outside.  Right cuts right while left cuts left.

Bottom (Sole): 

The bottom of your feet allows you to roll and stop the ball.  Use the sole of your foot to roll the ball in any direction.  

To some beginning player's surprise, the bottom or sole is of great use.  It adds a whole new level to dribbling.

Top (Laces):

The top of your foot is used while dribbling straight.  

Turning 

What happens when you need to turn around?  Walking around or jumping over the ball will allow the defender an easy steal (if he can control his laughter).  Therefore, you need to learn how to turn the ball efficiently.
Here are some basic turning moves:
Pull back:

1. Put your sole on top of the ball. 
2. Pull the ball backwards across your body. (Important!)
3. Turn the correct way (If doing a right pull-back turn right) 

Beginning Dribbling 

When dribbling try to use each part of your foot.  The only way to get comfortable is to do it over and over again with each foot.  For example, dribble back and force in your yard (when you get to the end, perform a turn) using your laces.
Once you get better at that, try using your inside, then your outside, then rolling.  Though dribbling over and over may seem monotonous, it is important for your development as a dribbler.
Once you are fairly confident with the parts of your feet, you can try to combine them.  For instance, dribble using only the inside and outside of your foot.
Also make sure to practice with both feet.  When you get good at both (your weak foot will take longer to master), you can combine your feet to become an even better dribbler.  As you will see, there is good reasons for mastering all the parts of your feet with both feet.

Changing Pace

When you first started dribbling, your probably dribbled slowly.  When you sped up, you probably lost control.
However, you should now be able to jog with the ball.  Practice jogging and soon you will be able to sprint with the ball.  Don't rush things though, it important that the ball always stays close to you.
Try to practice switching paces.  The better you can do this, the better explosion you have.  Explosion greatly improves your ability to beat or get past defenders.

How Far Away Can Your Ball be? 

How close you are to your ball depends on the situation.  When a defender is right in front of you, you obviously don't want to take a big touch.  However, if there is open space, you can take a bigger touch.
You will learn by experience how much you can get away with.  Though taking a bigger touch allows your to move faster, it also may allow defenders to take the ball.  Also, don't forget about goalies, many players take a big touch on breakaways, allowing the goalie to take the ball.

Soccer Dribbling Tips

Use your weak foot.
Though using your weak foot is frustrating, it is vital to your dribbling ability.  Using both feet will allow you to easily go in all directions and execute all moves.  Also, switching feet can help make a defender lose balance.
When defenders get more advanced, they defend your strong side more.  If you cannot use your weak foot to beat defenders, you will have a very tough time getting past them.
Use all the surfaces of your foot.
This will allow you to use more soccer moves and dribble in all directions.  Using all the parts of the foot, you can dribble gracefully.
Shield.
  Don't be afraid to use your body; shielding effectively can really help you keep the ball.  The best dribblers integrate shielding with dribbling.  Learn how to shield.
Don't stare at the ball. 
You need to be constantly looking up, or you will not be able to pass, shoot, or do anything else.  This takes practice, but it will make you a much better player in every way.
Balance yourself. 
You need to be on the balls of your feet, ready to cut in any direction.  Balance is a huge part of dribbling; in fact, the entire point of doing moves is to throw a defender off balance.
Learn soccer moves.  
Having a variety of soccer moves will allow you to get past defenders in all kinds of situations.
Put the right amount of touch on the ball. 
If there is open space you can touch the ball forward more, and in a tight space, keep the ball close to you.  Make sure you master your touch.
Remember, you can run faster when you don't have the ball. 
While it is important to learn how to run almost as fast as you would without a ball at your feet, you still can't be as fast as you are without it.  Passing allow you to get rid of the ball, and make runs.
Dribble with a purpose
Dribble when you have open space, are making room for a shot, making room for a pass, or are trying to get in a cross.  Don't just dribble to dribble.
Move your body.
It's the little things that fake a defender out.  Maybe leaning left before cutting right will give you the advantage you need to get past a defender.  Move your arms too, defenders are often distracted by arms.
Always keep a ball with you.
If you are wondering how players like Messi have perfect control, this is how.  Wherever Messi went his soccer ball went with him.  This is true for almost all professional soccer players.  Bring a ball wherever you can, and practice your dribbling.
Practice at different paces.
  Try starting slow and rapidly changing to a sprint.  You will change speed often in games so this is a useful thing to practice.