How to Create Opportunities in Tight Spaces
A common misconception about high-level soccer players is that they rely exclusively on high-level techniques during play. For example, lots of young athletes believe that soccer icons like Messi, Ronaldo, Halaand or others have their own, super technical “tricks” for maneuvering around defenders.
But the truth is, the greatest soccer players in the world tend to rely on the same, basic techniques you’ve been practicing since childhood. This is especially true for attacking players. High-level attackers consistently remind us how effective these basic techniques can be when utilized at the right time, and for the right reasons - like creating opportunities in tight spaces.
Ball Handling isn’t Just for Getting Past Defenders
A big part of honing your ball handling skills by practicing techniques like feints and drag-backs. When you practice these techniques over and over again, we might lose sight of their underlying purpose and relevance on the field.
For example, many young soccer players view the feint as a technique for getting past a defender. If you execute the technique correctly, you’ll leave the defender in the dust and you’ll have created some space.
Though this would be an ideal scenario, it’s not the only purpose of this technique. In other words, a step-over isn’t only successful if it allows you to get past a defender.
Remembering the Central Purpose of Basic Techniques
Ball-handling skills are designed to help you create space and take more actions with the ball. In addition to making it difficult for the defender to win the ball from you, you’re causing the defender to hesitate and wonder which direction you’ll move next.
Let’s say you have the ball in the attacking third and there’s a defender in front of you, applying serious pressure. Sure, getting around them would be nice, but it’s not your only option. Maybe there’s a teammate open for a pass. Maybe you can shoot from your current position.
In order to do either of these things, you need to create more space between you and the defender. That’s when basic techniques like feints come in handy. By confusing the defender and freezing them in place, you give yourself the opportunity to explore your options. When you finally decide to act, the defender won’t see it coming because their attention will be occupied.
Classic Ball Handling Techniques: La Croqueta
Another simple ball-handling technique for creating space is La Croqueta, recently made famous by Andre Iniesta, former midfielder for Barcelona FC.
The idea is to use the inside of one foot to slide - not kick - the ball across to your other foot, and then give the ball a soft kick with this foot to continue moving forward.
The timing of a Croqueta is everything. Just as the defender commits to a tackle, you slid the ball to your other foot. It forces the defender to shift their weight as you slide the ball away from the direction they were going, taking them off balance. As the defender shifts their position, you have an extra split second move the ball further away from them.
Do you want to see how professionals apply simple techniques during play? Check out BGTV, a massive library of professional footage organized by position. Each clip features high-level players making smart decisions and executing essential techniques, along with analysis from professionals explaining how the player knew what to do in this situation.
The more footage you watch, the easier it is to implement the same techniques in your own matches and ultimately take more action when you have the ball, something college coaches love to see in potential recruits.
Ready to check out BGTV? Use code FREEMONTH1 to get your first month free.
