Football Skills & Soccer Skills can cover all aspects of the game from goalkeeping, to heading to tackling. However, the term is most commonly linked to a players individual skill with the ball at his feet. There are various types of skills in football, each invented by certain gifted players that are used all over the world today.
One of the most famous individual football skills is that of the 'Cruyff Turn', named after Ajax and Holland legend Johan Cruijff. It's quite a simple skill, however it's very effective when performed properly in real game situations. When facing the defender, you shift your body stance suggesting that you'll be delivering or cross or trying a shot. However, as your balance leans over to one side, you quickly tap the ball with your foot, just behind the standing leg. You then alter your body position again, and continue dribbling or whatever move you wish to make next. On the face of it, this football skill sounds fairly easy, however, it is very difficult to perform under the pressure of a real match, so as always, practice makes perfect.
The most commonly known, and by far the most cheeky football skill is the old 'Nutmeg'. It simply means putting the ball through both of your opponents legs. This is probably one of the most simple concepts there is to a football skill, however, it's been very popular. For example, Nike introduced a competition named 'Panna K.O', with the first person to put the ball through the others leg while regaining control on the other side would win. In a real life game, it is potentially very embarrassing for the defender, so it is likely that they will keep their legs closed more to prevent this happening. It's important to get the timing of when you perform this football skill spot on.
Another football skill, that can at times look sensational is the 'Overhead kick', otherwise known as a bicycle kick or scissors kick. This is when the ball is crossed in the air to a player before getting himself into an air-borne horizontal position and making his legs into a scissors shape, with the ball making contact with one of the legs. When it works, it's spectacular to say the least, however, when it doesn't work you could be in from a shouting from your manager at full time. This skill requires perfect timing, great co-ordination skills and the individual must have an athletic build.
These are just some well known football skills. There are many more including the 'Flip-Flap' which Brazilian Ronaldinho is famous for, along with others such as the old 'Backheel' and conventional 'Diving header'. When learning to perform some of these skills, it's important to be patient. Keep watching the players do it on television, keep practicing and keep focused. Football skills are more than impressive when they pay off, so it is well worth all the time and effort.
