How to Dribble a Soccer Ball

Learning how to dribble a soccer ball is a fundamental principle of the game. Dribbling a soccer ball is the architecture to ball movement up the field, which in most cases initiates passing, maintains possession, and imitates speed and movement around defenders. Dribbling a soccer ball is probably the first skill one should learn if they are interested in the game of soccer.

As such, there are many instructions on technique for dribbling a soccer ball but honestly, it comes down to the following basics.

1. To begin with, you must understand basic body positioning. Keep your arms at your side with knees slightly bent maintaining a relaxed positioning as if you were running without a soccer ball.
2. When dribbling a soccer ball keep the ball positioned on the inside of your foot just below the toe and the arch of your cleats. Alternatively, if you prefer you may use the outside of your foot as well.
3. Push the soccer ball forward alternating touches with each foot; be sure to keep the ball in front of you to assist in maintaining possession, this is dribbling.
4. Repeat this motion as you dribble the soccer ball down the field.
5. The distance you push the soccer ball forward as you are dribbling will determine the speed in which you go.

There you have it, the basic steps to dribbling a soccer ball. To help you improve your control, consider using a mini soccer ball. They are sold at most sporting goods stores. Look more like toy ball for a large dog, but top coaches use these mini soccer balls to assist in positioning and control while dribbling.