8 Soccer Moves To Beat A Defender
I want to show you the best soccer moves to beat a defender in 1v1 situations. This will help you create more chances for your team, get out of tight situations, and keep possession of the ball.
It will also make you STAND OUT when you play.
If you put this information into action you will become a better dribbler. You’ll start to beat more defenders when you play. Your teammates will trust you with the ball. And your opponents will hate playing against you.
In this article (video) I’ll show you some of the best soccer moves to beat defenders.
Soccer Moves To Beat A Defender
Beating defenders requires more than just skill. It requires the proper mindset, selection of the right soccer moves, and a desire to practice on your own so you can apply these skill moves effectively at real match speeds.
Players watch fancy skill move tutorial or highlights or professional players doing crazy tricks and they start to build bad habits which don’t actually help them in matches.
If you want to become a dangerous dribbler, who can beat defenders consistently, i’ll show you some soccer skill moves to beat a defender which actually work!
Consume this entire article (video) because I’ll show you:
- 8 easy soccer skills to beat a defender
- how to have more confidence in 1v1 situations
- the reason most players can dribble in training but not games
Simple Soccer Moves To Beat A Defender
Before we get into the basics of beating defenders, I want you to focus on 1 powerful idea: BECOME MORE DIRECT (dribble with purpose).
You’ve probably played with players who don’t have the best technical skills but they always seem to get past defenders. This is because although your skills are important, it’s the style of your play which will make you most successful.
Instead of trying to humiliate a defender on the spot with 6 different tricks, taking 23 touches, and slowing down the play. Think about beating defenders with less touches and more direct movement.
Nut-megs don’t win matches. The best dribblers in the world are direct. They are focused more on attacking space, than actually beating defenders. They use there moves to beat defenders, create chances, and score goals.
Ideally you don’t want to have to beat anyone. You simply want to sprint straight to goal as quickly as possible and you will use your skill moves to dodge defenders along the way.
1v1 Mindset To Beat More Defenders
Most players struggle in 1v1 situations because they lose the battle in their own mind. The worst thing you can do in a 1v1 situation is hesitate.
Hesitation or freezing will end up with you getting tackled. Before you learn the best moves to beat a defender in soccer focus on overcoming hesitation.
Realize where the space is and GO. The less you wait, the more players will have to chase you. When you wait and hesitate to make a decision you become easy to defend. Make your decision before the ball gets to you, identify the space, and attack that open space with speed & confidence.
Use your momentum to your advantage. Attack defenders with speed. When you slow down or stop on the spot, you are easy to trap. It’s difficult for a defender to stop you when you’re dribbling at him with full speed.
Obviously, you need to keep control of the ball and developing your 1v1 soccer skill moves overtime but if you have and a mindset of direct play and no hesitation, you’re already off to a good start.
How To Beat A Defender In Soccer
Good soccer moves to beat a defender are ones that get your opponent off balance. The purpose of using moves should be to shift the defender in the opposite direction of where you want to go.
Here are a few simple steps to help you beat more defenders when you play:
#1 – Identify the space. Instead of thinking about the defender, look for the space. You have the ball. You are the one in control. Where do you want to go? Where is the open space?
#2 – Shift the defender in the opposite direction. Once you’ve decided where you want to dribble. Use your simple & effective soccer moves to make the defender think you are going in the opposite direction. Hopefully, you’ve sold your move strong enough that it’s shifted them off balance.
#3 – Accelerate into the space you’ve created. After the defender falls for your feint, quickly exploded into the space you originally identified. The key here is to have a change of space. If you make a skill move but don’t increase your speed as you move in the opposite direction, you will have to beat the same defender again.
Soccer Moves In Training vs Games
Many players seem to perform these easy soccer moves to beat a defender which confidence in training but for some reason they can’t do the same thing during matches. This has nothing to do with their skills or preparation.
If you are currently struggling with this problem, I want you to realize something. In both situations (training & games) you are the exact same player. You have the same level of skill, fitness, and experience. The only thing different is how you are thinking.
In training you are in the moment, not putting pressure on yourself, or thinking about what could go wrong. You are present. Focused on executing the skill.
In the match, you are thinking about everything that could go wrong. What if the defender tackles me? What if my teammates get upset? What if my coach yells at me? You’ve come out of the present moment and projected your thoughts into the future.
The first step to fixing this problem is becoming aware of your thoughts. What are you saying to yourself during 1v1 situations in matches? Instead of thinking about what could go wrong, focus on what you are going to do right.
Be direct.
Find the space.
Shift the defender.
Change your pace.
Best Soccer Moves To Beat A Defender
In the video below I will show you 8 different soccer skill moves to beat more defenders during matches. It’s good to have a few different moves you’re comfortable using so you are not predictable to play against.
It’s also very important for you to have the ability to dribble both directions with both feet. It’s easy to defender a player who can only go one way. However, you don’t have to become an master of all 8 skill moves.
The best dribblers usually have 1-2 moves that you use consistently. The become so good at these basic soccer moves that even if the defender knows what they typically do, they still can’t stop them.
Here are a list of the 8 soccer moves you will be learning to use:
“They teach you some things, but football is instinct sometimes. You just get the ball, and sometimes you dribble past three players and pass it; other times, you can shoot from far away. It’s just instinct. If you feel something, just do it. I am free to do that.” – Paul Pogba
Easy Soccer Moves That Work
With the proper mindset around dribbling, I’d like you to watch this video about how to beat more defenders in soccer with easy moves that actually work.
Remember, watching this video will not make you better dribbler unless you are willing to put these principles into practice. Continually increase your speed and make your training as realistic as possible.
Knowledge is only power when it’s put into action. Make the necessary changes to your mindset, technique, training, and don’t expect yourself to be perfect overnight. Be consistent and you will develop the improvements you desire.
If you want to become a dangerous dribbler who beats defenders consistently. It should be an obsession you keep with you for the rest of your soccer career.
8 Soccer Skills Moves To Beat A Defender
Soccer Moves To Beat A Defender
Hopefully you found this tutorial about the best soccer moves to get past a defender useful. If you have any questions related to this topic please comment below.
You have the ability to improve all of your skills! You’ve learned how to dribble 1v1 but you can also become faster, stronger, and mentally tougher.
I’d love to see you achieve great things in soccer and life. But that’s only possible if you become the best version of yourself. Stumbling across this content is a great start!
But if you really want to take another strong step in the right direction, stick with me.
The Next Step
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About The Author
I used to be a soccer player who struggled with self-confidence. I felt slow, weak, and unmotivated. My coaches didn’t pay much attention to me, my friends laughed at my lack of skills. At one point, I even became so discouraged that I quit the sport altogether.
Enough was enough. I decided to take control of my own development and set out on a journey to become a better soccer player. This path led me on an incredible journey of self-improvement.
I went on to win league and goal-scoring titles, earn awards, lift trophies, and received a college scholarship. I’ve even earned international caps for my country.
I started sharing my knowledge with others and teaching them how to become the best soccer players they could be. My YouTube channel grew to over 500,000 subscribers. I’ve coached for the top youth clubs & men’s teams in my city, and have my own soccer training company.
But enough about me, let’s focus on you.
If you’re looking to improve your skills, let’s take your soccer game to the next level. I want to help you make a noticeable change in style of play and overall performance on the field.
I’m passionate about helping players achieve their goals in soccer, and I’d love to be a part of your journey. I can help you reach your goals faster and achieve more in this sport, but success must be your own choice. If you’re ready to take the next step, here’s what I suggest you do:
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Coach Dylan
Progressive Soccer
Thank you for reading this article: 8 Soccer Moves To Beat A Defender
