How to coach a simple step over
This summer you can be sure that you will see a lot of step-overs. The 2010 World Cup will be a showcase for all the skills you coach to your players and the step-over is likely to be one of the main ones. So you can be sure they are going to want to do them when they see them in action.
Stepovers like any soccer skill need a lot of practice so if your players are going to do them make sure they go home and have a ball stuck to their foot all week.
Done properly they can send an opponent in the opposite direction, immediately producing two precious assets – space and time.
Coach your players to begin with the simplest step over. Tell them to shape as if they are going to strike the ball, but lift that foot over the top of the ball instead.
1. Make sure the ball is moving so start dribbling slowly.
2. Circle the left foot anti-clockwise by bringing the left foot across the right foot and around the ball without touching the ball.
3. Dip the left shoulder to angle the body so it looks like the player will move that way.
4. Use the outside of the right foot to take the ball past the defender on the other side.
Once you can do one, then practise bringing your right foot around the ball clockwise, and build up to do two or three step overs in a row.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
