A trick works when it solves a problem: escaping pressure, changing direction, protecting the ball or unbalancing a defender. The name matters less than the first touch after the move and the decision that follows it.
Practise slowly with both feet, then add speed and passive pressure. A move that works around cones but disappears against a defender has not yet become a game skill.
12 common soccer moves
| Move | Basic action | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Body feint | Sell movement with hips and shoulders | Beat a defender without touching the ball |
| Stepover | Circle a foot around the ball | Shift a defender before accelerating |
| Scissors | Reverse stepover motion | Change the defender's weight |
| Inside cut | Cut across the body with the inside | Turn away from the touchline |
| Outside cut | Push away with the outside | Explode into open space |
| Drag-back | Pull the ball backward with the sole | Escape a front-on challenge |
| Cruyff turn | Fake a pass and pull behind the standing leg | Reverse direction while shielding |
| Roulette | Use both soles while spinning over the ball | Slip between pressure angles |
| Elastico | Touch outside then snap inside with one foot | Beat a square defender |
| La croqueta | Transfer quickly from one inside foot to the other | Move across a reaching tackle |
| Sole roll | Roll laterally with the sole | Open a new passing lane |
| Chop | Cut sharply behind the standing leg | Change direction at speed |
A simple practice progression
- Learn the foot pattern while stationary.
- Perform it while walking, then jogging.
- Add an explosive first touch into space.
- Use a passive defender who shows one side.
- Finish with a pass, cross or shot so the move has an outcome.
- Review match footage to find the moments when a simpler touch was the better choice.
Why change of speed beats extra touches
The best dribblers often use a small deception followed by a large acceleration. Repeated tricks slow the attacker and give support defenders time to arrive. Scan first, move the defender once and attack the space that opens.
Coaches can judge transfer by tagging successful take-ons in match footage. Look for the player's starting distance, the defender's body shape and whether the next action retained possession or created a chance.
Official rules and related Trackd guides
- IFAB Laws of the Game — Official playing framework
- Trackd for player development
- Trackd for players
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest soccer trick to learn?
Start with a body feint, inside cut and drag-back. They use simple movements and transfer quickly into games.
What is the difference between a stepover and scissors?
The foot travels around the front of the ball in opposite directions. Both aim to shift the defender before the attacker exits the other way.
How often should players practise moves?
Short, frequent sessions with both feet are more useful than rare marathon sessions. Always progress toward live pressure and an end action.
Film the whole game without a camera operator
Trackd turns a compatible iPhone into an automatic ball-tracking sports camera, with no required subscription.