Turning
& Football

Control
• It is often said that a good first touch
is significant in gaining control of the ball.
• If you can accomplish it correctly, the ability to
control will greatly improve your performance.
• You can use the feet, thigh, chest or head in controlling
the ball. Regardless of which body part you are using, the
basics of control remain the same.
• First, immediately position yourself on the ball’s
line of flight. Quickly decide on how you want to control
the ball.
• In order to have the ability to receive the ball at
any height, you must constantly practice your control using
your feet, thigh, chest or head.
• When the ball is flying high above your waist area,
it will be difficult to use the feet to control it. As such,
learning to use the chest will come in handy.
• Approach the ball with the body part you wish to control
it with. It can be the thigh or the feet, among other body
parts.
• Make sure you get that body part behind the ball.
At the same time, make certain that you are covering as much
of the ball’s area. If you choose to work with your
thigh, make sure the full face of the thigh is in line with
the ball. This will help you cushion the force at which the
ball will be delivered.
• The ball will then drop to the ground and depending
on your position; you can either pass or shoot the ball.
Stop
Turns
• For a car to be excellent, it must have
a great accelerators as well as effective brakes. Similarly,
football players need the ability to increase and decrease
their speed at whim.
• Football generally involves running at full speed.
While doing this, the player will be able to keep the ball
in play. Right before the ball reaches the touchline, the
player may perform that magical turn.
• To do this turn, you must immediately halt the ball
by placing your foot on top of it. However, the key to this
stop and turn is the ability to stop your run in an instant.
After you stopped running, turn your body immediately. Do
this by pivoting on your planted foot. Then, use your other
foot to drive the ball forwards. After this, move away quickly.
• If the turn is successful, you will confuse your opponent
and he will end up running in the opposite direction.
• However, if the opponent is too near, you may end
up losing the ball. So, make sure that you execute this turn
quickly and with adequate space.
Cryuff Turn
• Named after the brilliant Dutchman Johan
Cryuff, the Cryuff turn is a skill that, when mastered, can
make you the envy of all your team mates.
• This trick is especially helpful when you want to
lose your opponent.
• You must position your body like you are going to
make a pass. However, instead of kicking, use the inside of
the foot to bring the ball behind your standing leg.
• Get yourself in line with the ball by twisting or
turning your shoulders and hips. After which, you must instantly
start running.
• Your fast manoeuvre will cause the opponent to lose
track of your movements.
Dragg
Back
• In football, you will often find yourself
on the pitch, with all the players crowding near you. The
space will then be too tight for you to move well.
• The dragg back turn is deal for manoeuvring in tight
spaces. Although the skill may be easy to learn, its success
will greatly depend of the speed of the feet.
• The turn begins with your foot placed on top of the
ball and this foot must remain in the same position for the
rest of the turn. Next, use that foot to roll the ball backwards
as you attempt to go to a different area.
• In order to perfect the execution, you will need to
practice this skill constantly.
Outside
Hook
• Although relatively easy to master,
perfect execution of this skill looks incredible on the field.
• This skill is especially helpful in keeping your body
between the ball and the opponent.
• In order to do this effectively, you must maintain
focus on both the ball and on the opponent who is marking
you.
• As you approach the ball, increase the movement in
your feet. Then, use the outside of the foot to hook the ball
and turn it into your desired direction.
• If you have mastered the skill, you can hook the ball
but instead of moving it, step on it. Then, carry on with
your original direction.
• Doing this is a double bluff on your opponent.
Inside
Hook
• As with any turn, you must position
your body in between the ball and the opponent.
• The use of the inside hook turn will be effective
in rendering your marker useless.
• Similar to other turns, this technique requires speed
and agility in the feet’s movement.
• To do this turn, use your foot to reach the outside
of the ball. Making this contact will enable you to alter
the direction of the ball.
• You should also bend your knees so you can easily
shift your weight. Then, turn your hips to change the direction
of your own body. However, you must first secure a positive
first touch on the ball. This will ensure that the ball is
in the proper position. You can then easily turn the ball
and move away from your opponent.
• You must make sure you are quick on your feet. When
executed well, this trick will leave your marker lost and
confused.