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Skill · dribbling

The Cruyff turn

Fake a pass or shot, then drag the ball behind your standing leg to turn away.

Watch a professional do it — UEFA Training Ground has this skill on video.

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How to do it

  1. 1 Approach as if to pass or shoot.
  2. 2 Plant the standing foot.
  3. 3 Instead of striking, drag the ball back and behind your standing leg with the inside of your foot.
  4. 4 Turn and accelerate away.

How to practise it alone

Cone as a 'defender'. Approach, sell the fake, Cruyff away. 20 each foot. 'Good' is the fake convincing — sell the shot with your body.

Common mistakes

  • No fake — the turn only works if they believe the first action.
  • Dragging it too far or too close.
  • Turning slowly; explode out of it.