Dribbling is an art form in football, and few embody this skill better than Lionel Messi. The Argentine maestro's ability to glide past defenders with unparalleled ease and precision is a testament to his exceptional dribbling skills. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key techniques and drills that can help aspiring players develop dribbling skills akin to those of Lionel Messi.
Keeping the Ball Close
One of the hallmarks of Messi's dribbling is his ability to keep the ball close to his feet. Practicing close-dribbling through cones is an effective way to enhance ball control. Set up a course of cones and navigate through them, ensuring the ball remains glued to your feet. Gradually increase speed to mimic the challenges of dribbling at full sprint.
Head Up for Vision
Messi's exceptional vision on the field is integral to his dribbling prowess. Keep your head up while dribbling to assess the surrounding action. Focus on the defenders' hips to anticipate their movements and exploit opportunities to off-balance or nutmeg them.
Low Center of Gravity
Establishing a low center of gravity is crucial for effective dribbling. Messi, being shorter in stature, takes advantage of his low center to make quick, precise movements. Taller players can emulate this by practicing squats and maintaining a low, balanced stance.
Arms Out for Balance
Extend your arms slightly away from your body while dribbling, similar to how Messi does. This helps maintain balance during rapid changes of direction and quick transitions.
Develop Speed
Speed is a key element of Messi's playing style. Incorporate ball-focused sprints and suicide drills into your training regimen to improve speed and fast-twitch explosiveness. Time yourself and aim for continuous improvement.
Play Constantly
Messi's advice for aspiring players is to love the game and play it constantly. Regular, dedicated practice from a young age contributed significantly to his skill development. Dribble inside, outside, and at every opportunity to refine your abilities.
Shielding the Ball
Use your body to shield the ball from defenders. Turn your hip or back toward the defense when receiving passes and trap the ball with the foot farthest from the opponent to create space for maneuvering.
Locate Space
Keep your eyes up to identify open spaces. Analyze the defender's hip movement to predict their intentions. Use misconceptions to your advantage, especially if you're right-footed, by occasionally going in the opposite direction.
Approach Slowly
Bring defenders in by approaching them slowly. Force them to reveal their tactics and capitalize on their mistakes. Messi relies on simple changes of direction and precise ball control to outmaneuver opponents.
Explosive Movements
When ready to change direction, explode into action. Use quick dribbles to catch defenders off guard. The key is not just speed but making intelligent dribbles to exploit the defender's position.
4 Key Drills to Develop Dribbling Skills
1. Cone Drill:
Enhance precision and agility by weaving through cones spaced 1 to 1.5 yards apart. Repeat the course multiple times for improved body control and instant feedback.
2. Figure Eight:
Create space and improve ball control by weaving through a figure-eight pattern. This versatile drill helps in changing directions seamlessly.
3. Zig-Zag Line Weave:
Navigate through a zig-zag pattern of cones spaced 4 to 5 yards apart. This drill improves quick changes of direction and ball control in tight spaces.
4. Change-of-Direction (COD) Drills:
Simulate multi-directional demands with COD drills. Start with basic movements and progressively increase complexity to master soccer's 360-degree movement.
In conclusion, developing dribbling skills like Lionel Messi requires dedication, consistent practice, and a focus on key techniques and drills. By incorporating these elements into your training routine, you can embark on a journey to emulate the mesmerizing dribbling style of one of the greatest footballers of all time.
