Dribbling is just about any move through which you take the ball past your opponent. Often you can do this by simply fooling your opponent.

• Move your body to go one way then quickly change direction and go another way.
• Slip the ball between your opponents legs when he expects you to go around him.
• Swing your leg around the ball, this will confuse your opponent and could upset his balance.

To become a good dribbler you need a variety of skills.

• Practice passing and ball juggling with both feet.
• Learn to use the different parts of your feet to control the ball, instep, outside and heel.
• To get clear of the defender once you have beaten him you must have speed, so practice repeated short sprinting runs.

To improve your technique try TonyÕs exercises.

• Practice weaving between a line of objects using alternative feet.
• Pass the ball repeatedly between your insteps with the ball slightly in front, level and slightly behind them Ð this will allow you to become comfortable with the ball wherever it is.

When you are faced with an attacking player coming towards you dribbling the ball you should remember these basic rules.

• Keep your eyes on the ball and donÕt be misled by the body movements of the attacker.
• Always try to keep your body between the attacker and the goal that you are defending.
• If you are the last defender before the attacker reaches your goal, try to hold up the progress of the attacker until your fellow defenders can regain their positions.