There are plenty of soccer moves out there for people to try to gain an advantage on offense. While some are much more complicated than others, it all comes down to overall effectiveness to see if a person can actually have success.
Instead of focusing on showing off, the focus should be on creating space and moving positively. These are the most effective soccer moves to beat any defender as much as possible. They may not always work, and some of them are more complicated than others, but they are all worth practicing to make part of the process.
1. Inside Touch With Scissor
People who have fast feet naturally can use a very effective move with an inside touch and then a scissor. The goal is to touch the ball just slightly ahead with the inside of the foot, setting up a quick scissor with that same foot. The cut needs to be with the outside touch, using the opposite foot to go in a different direction.
When done correctly, this move works very well because it is fast and effective. There is no wasted time, and defenders have a hard time reacting. Most defenders will assume that a player is cutting inside and then outside, but a person actually goes in the opposite direction.
2. The Cruyff Turn
A proper cruyff can be one of the best moves to have in general. Some people will use it to turn, while others will simply switch directions. A diagonal cruyff works very well with a defender coming from a diagonal angle.
If a person has enough room, this move works well. The first step is touching the ball towards the defender. Once the defender moves in to make the tackle, use an inside touch with that same foot and put it behind the opposite leg. Timing is key here, as the defender will likely go after the empty space where they think the ball will be.
3. Elastico
Anyone who needs a very quick and effective move will need to add Elastico to the mix. It is a quick hitter for sure, and when done correctly, defenders will have a hard time staying right side up. Many defenders actually end up stumbling with a good Elastico done right in front of them.
Being quick with the ball is crucial with Elastico. The appearance should be that the ball is touched twice, but it is actually a single motion. Getting practice down to the point that it works well is key to building up confidence.
The first step is making sure to touch the ball outside, and then move it inside with one motion. The real key to success is having the outside touch being just right. It needs to sell the move, which means putting the entire body in that way. Then, it moves inside, and the defender is stunned.
Think of this as a more advanced move that is very effective once a player feels confident enough. Not everyone will be able to pull it off, but it is always worth trying, to say the least.
4. Maradona Spin
As the name implies, a Maradona move is going to look very skillful when done correctly. It is a bit difficult to master, like many of the best moves, but players who can pull it off will definitely have a leg up on their competition.
The move starts with touching the ball on top with one foot. Then, a turn needs to be pulled off, followed by using the other foot to drive the ball back in front of the body. Once that is all pulled off, there is another turn to finish the move.
This move is best for when a defender is coming right towards a player. When there is a loose ball, and a player beats their defender to it, there is a way to add insult to injury by using their momentum against them with a move like this. Try to time it up so that the move happens right before they are about to tackle.
5. Stop & Go
If this seems like a pretty simplistic move, think again. Although it is pretty effective and fairly easy to learn the gist of it, timing will be the key just like so many other moves out there.
The goal here is to confuse defenders as much as possible. In particular, when on the sideline, and setting up a cross, this move can be particularly effective.
The best thing about the stop and go is that there are different variations to use as well. In the beginning, you pretend that you are cutting the ball backward. Instead, you dribble forward with speed, but you can actually push yourself into any direction. A person can actually also change feet and make other slight variations as well. The key here is to make sure that the move is sold properly, or it will come off as a bit sloppy.
6. Zidane Roulette
Having an effective spin move as part of a repertoire is certainly beneficial. The Zidane Roulette, named after Zinedine Zidane, is a more effective move that is somewhat easy to get the gist of.
The key here is placing the cleats on the ball and dragging it back slightly. Once that happens, spin so that the back is facing the defender. Then, while turning, drag the ball back past the defender and accelerate towards the end. This will open up some space, confuse the defender, and give an offensive-minded player the key to that open field they need.
7. Outside Hook
An outside hook is very effective when an offensive player is dribbling to one side. Reach around the ball with the inside foot while dribbling, and use the pinky toe to bring the ball back in front of the defender.
This outside hook is a great way to change direction, and players can feel very in-control that they are creating space from side to side. Having an outside hook to go with an inside hook move is also very effective. The outside hook is a little more difficult to master, but both effectively open up side to side space.
