It is the ability of any gifted player to beat opponents by means of close ball techniques in tight situations creating space for a pass, shot for himself or a team-mate. dribbling can be an asset when performed correctly. Objectives of Dribbling are to creates space, by beating a challenging opponent and takes him out of his defensive line or position. It creates numerical advantages. It also unsettles defensive patterns of opponents.

Selection

• A combination of foot and body movements
• Foot Turning
• Dribbling with the inside or outside foot - taking the weight off the ball( shielding it through)
• Dribbling with a combination of foot movements - J.J Okocha turns.
• Hooking actions - Stopping and turning
• Dragging the ball
• Steps over - Ronaldhino/ Brazilian stepovers

Technique

• Bring ball under control
• Approach opponent not at top speed
• trick (unbalance) the opponent using body feints or foot movements
• Move up a gear and do not let opponent get too close
• Take a defender out of his defensive line( wrong foot him, take him out)
• Accelerate into space quickly

Key Factors

• Be aggressive, develop positive attitude
• First touch on the ball (close control or shield ball)
• Change angle at the ball when a defender is about to intercept o tackle you.

Defensive Heading

• Normally while under attacking pressure, defenders go for power, height, width and distance to relieve pressure.

Technique

• Get into position quickly
• Attack the ball at its highest point
• Jump off the back foot, arch the back
• Use the strong neck muscle( Jack-Knife) action
• Correct contact of the ball is the bottom half of the ball to get height, distance and width
• Use arms for balance