Turns to beat a defender

Soccer (Individual Skills) / Popular

Escape pressure with the Cruyff, drag-back and hook turns.

What coaches agree on

  • Turn with your body between the ball and the defender, shielding it as you spin away.
  • Check over your shoulder before the ball arrives so you already know where the defender is and which turn to use.
Show more
  • Drill every turn on both your strong foot and your weak foot.

Common mistakes

  • Waiting flat-footed for the ball instead of moving to meet it invites an interception or lets the defender close in and win it before you can turn.