Soccer tricks captivate audiences worldwide, from playground kickabouts to packed stadiums. These skillful moves aren't just flashy displays—they're tactical tools that can change the course of a game in seconds. Whether you call it the "Maradona" in the USA, a "Roulette" in France, or simply "that spin thing" on your local pitch, mastering these techniques can elevate your game to new heights.
But here's what many players don't realize: the same move might have five different names depending on where you learned it. A "Marseille Turn" in one country becomes a "360" in another, and what FIFA video games call a "Roulette" might be your coach's "Maradona Spin." This guide cuts through the confusion to deliver the essential moves every player should know—no matter what you call them in your corner of the world.
The step over is the bread and butter of soccer trickery. This fundamental move involves stepping around the front of the ball without touching it, faking a direction change before cutting the opposite way. Your foot circles the ball as if you're going to push it one direction, but you use your other foot to knock it the other way.
When to use it: Perfect for one-on-one situations on the wing or when you need to create space in tight areas. The beauty of the step over lies in its simplicity—even young players can master the basic motion, though perfecting the timing takes practice.
Sometimes the simplest tricks are the most effective. The fake shot requires you to wind up as if you're about to unleash a powerful strike, only to either stop the ball completely or redirect it at the last second. The key is selling the shot with your entire body—lean into it, swing your leg convincingly, then control the ball with a soft touch.
This move works because defenders instinctively react to block shots. When they commit, you've already created the space you need. Use it when approaching the penalty area or when a defender is closing in quickly.
Before you master any fancy footwork, learn to lie with your body. The body feint uses your shoulders and hips to suggest movement in one direction while you go the other. Drop your shoulder low to one side, shift your weight convincingly, then explode in the opposite direction.
What makes this move special is that you don't need exceptional ball control—you're deceiving with body movement rather than complex footwork. It's the foundation for more advanced moves and remains effective at every level of play.
The cut is deceptively simple: push the ball at an angle past your opponent using either the inside or outside of your foot. What separates good cuts from great ones is the setup. Use your eyes, body position, and approach angle to make defenders think you're continuing straight.
Master both inside and outside cuts with both feet. This ambidexterity makes you unpredictable and opens up options when defenders try to force you onto your weaker side.
Named after Dutch legend Johan Cruyff, who unveiled it at the 1974 World Cup, this move has become synonymous with technical excellence. To execute it, shape up as if you're about to pass or cross, but instead drag the ball behind your standing leg with the inside of your foot, pivoting 180 degrees.
The Cruyff Turn shines when defenders close you down near the sideline or when you need to change direction quickly while maintaining possession. It's particularly effective because it uses the defender's momentum against them—they expect the ball to continue forward while you're already heading the other way.
Popularized by Brazilian icons like Ronaldinho and Cristiano Ronaldo, the Elastico is pure deception condensed into one fluid motion. Touch the ball with the outside of your foot to push it one direction, then immediately snap it back the opposite way with the inside of the same foot—all in one continuous movement.
This move demands flexibility and timing. Start slowly, focusing on the smooth transition between touches. Once you can perform it standing still, gradually add speed. Use it when defenders give you space to operate, typically in one-on-one situations where you have room to accelerate after the move.
The Stop and Go exploits a defender's momentum by varying your pace dramatically. While dribbling at speed, suddenly stop the ball with your sole or inside foot, pause just long enough for the defender to adjust, then explode forward again. Some variations include stopping with one foot and pushing forward with the other.
This move is devastatingly effective on the wings when defenders are sprinting to keep up. The sudden change of pace often leaves them off-balance or overrunning the play.
This combination move layers deception upon deception. Start with a light inside touch to draw the defender's attention, immediately follow with a scissor motion around the ball with the same foot, then cut away with the outside of your other foot.
The Inside Touch-Scissor works because defenders expect you to continue in the direction of your first touch. When you add the scissor motion, you're selling two false directions before revealing your true intent. Practice this slowly at first—the timing between touches is crucial.
Here's where naming conventions get interesting. What many call the "Maradona Turn" is known as the "Roulette" in Europe, the "360" in video games, or even the "Marseille Turn" in France. Regardless of the name, this 360-degree spin with the ball requires exceptional close control.
Place your foot on top of the ball and spin your body while dragging the ball with you. As you complete the turn, use your other foot to continue pulling the ball in your new direction. The key is maintaining contact with the ball throughout the spin, using your body as a shield.
Diego Maradona and later Zinedine Zidane made this move famous, using it to escape pressure in tight spaces. It's most effective when surrounded by defenders, as the spin protects the ball while you identify your next move.
Few moves capture imagination quite like the Rabona. This technique involves wrapping your kicking leg behind your standing leg to strike the ball, creating an unusual and often unexpected angle of attack. While it looks spectacular, the Rabona serves practical purposes—allowing players to use their stronger foot when their body position would normally demand using the weaker one.
Erik Lamela's rabona goal for Tottenham in 2021 reminded the world why this move remains relevant in modern soccer. Use it when you need to cross or shoot but can't adjust your body position in time for a conventional strike.
The Rainbow Kick represents the intersection of skill and audacity. Roll the ball up the back of your standing leg with your other foot, then flick it over your head (and hopefully your opponent's) with your heel. While Pelé didn't invent it, his use of the move in the 1970s cemented its place in soccer folklore.
This move carries risk—miss it, and you'll lose possession embarrassingly. Even successful rainbows can anger opponents who see it as showboating. Use sparingly and only when you have space to recover if it fails.
Andrés Iniesta transformed this simple-looking move into an art form. La Croqueta involves shifting the ball rapidly between your feet while moving laterally, like a chef rolling croquette dough between their hands. The ball moves from one foot to the other in quick succession, allowing you to glide past defenders in tight spaces.
What makes La Croqueta special is its practicality. Unlike flashier moves, it's low-risk and highly effective in congested areas. The key is keeping the ball close and moving it faster than defenders can react.
Start with moves that match your current level. Practice them until they become instinctive. Then, when that defender closes in during your next match, you won't need to think about whether to use a "Marseille Turn" or a "Maradona Spin"—your body will know exactly what to do. The ball will obey, the defender will be left behind, and you'll experience the pure joy that comes from mastering the beautiful game's most beautiful moves.
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