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neurologyYou need to know

• The four main foot surfaces used for control and dribbling are the sole, inside, outside, and laces (instep), each producing different angles and speeds on the ball.
• An effective first touch cushions or redirects the ball into space away from pressure to set up the next action.
• Scanning by lifting the head before, during, and after receiving identifies teammates, opponents, and space to inform decisions.
• Shielding positions the body between the ball and the defender with a low centre of gravity and balanced arms without pushing to protect possession.
• Effective dribbling uses changes of speed, direction, and footwork, including feints and turns, to unbalance and beat defenders.
• A no-touch turn changes direction by using body deception and letting the ball run before re-engaging to exit into space.
• A one-touch turn uses a single contact with the inside, outside, or sole to redirect the ball sharply away from pressure.
• A multi-touch turn uses successive small touches to pivot and move with the ball while keeping it close in tight areas.
• Jockeying delays an attacker by adopting a side-on stance, staying low and on the toes, and showing them away from danger without diving in.
• A block tackle meets the ball with the inside of the foot, ankle locked and knee bent, driving through the ball to win it cleanly.
• A poke tackle prods the ball away with the toe and a locked ankle from a safe distance, avoiding contact with the opponent.
• An interception regains possession by reading the pass, stepping into the passing lane, and controlling the ball on recovery.
• A curled shot uses the inside of the foot and a controlled follow-through to apply spin that bends the ball towards a corner.
• A drilled shot uses the laces with a firm ankle and straight follow-through to strike the ball low, fast, and with minimal spin.
• A placed shot prioritises accuracy using the inside of the foot with the head over the ball to guide it into the corners.
• A lobbed shot lifts the ball over the goalkeeper using an undercut instep or a toe poke when the goalkeeper is off their line.
• Switching play moves the ball to the opposite side to exploit space, stretch the defence, and create attacking opportunities.

• Control and receive the ball using sole, inside, outside, and laces, cushioning or redirecting first touch into space while keeping head up.
• Dribble under pressure with close control using both feet, varying speed and direction, and using feints to beat a defender.
• Execute no-touch, one-touch, and multi-touch turns under pressure, exiting into space within two steps while maintaining close control.
• Jockey an attacker with a low, side-on stance at arm’s length, delaying and showing them away from goal without committing.
• Time and perform a block tackle or poke tackle so the ball is contacted first with a locked ankle, then secure possession or clear.
• Intercept passes by reading cues, stepping into the passing lane, and controlling the ball on first touch.
• Shoot using curled, drilled, placed, or lobbed techniques matched to distance, angle, pressure, and goalkeeper position, hitting the target consistently.
• Pass short, long, through, lofted, or disguised with correct weight and timing to play teammates in stride, switch play, or break lines.
• Decide when to pass, dribble, or shield by scanning and evaluating pressure, space, and teammate movement to advance play.
• Communicate and organise defensive shape by calling press, delay, and cover, and by tracking runners.