Cruyff Turn Drill
Players master the Cruyff turn — faking a pass or cross before dragging the ball behind the standing leg and changing direction — one of the most effective moves in soccer.
Objective
Learn the Cruyff turn as a reliable way to escape a defender when facing the sideline or end line.
Watch It In Action
Visual Concept
Top-down diagram — Dribbling drill layout
Setup
Mark a 10-yard channel. Place a cone at the far end representing the sideline. Each player has a ball.
How to Run It
Fake the cross
Dribble toward the cone. Shape your body as if you're about to cross or pass — plant your non-kicking foot, wind up your kicking leg.
Drag behind
Instead of crossing, use the inside of the kicking foot to drag the ball behind your standing leg in one smooth motion.
Turn and accelerate
Your body naturally rotates 180 degrees. Accelerate away in the new direction with the ball close.
Against a defender
Passive defender approaches from behind as the dribbler reaches the cone. Dribbler performs the Cruyff turn and accelerates past.
Coaching Cues
The fake must be convincing — commit to the wind-up before dragging
The drag is with the inside of the foot, not the sole
Keep the ball close to your body during the drag — don't let it roll away
Explode out of the turn — the Cruyff only works if you accelerate immediately
Variations
- Practice on both feet — the Cruyff is equally useful on either side
- Add a live defender who can tackle after the fake
- Combine with a sprint to goal after the turn
Gear for This Drill
Everything you need to run Cruyff Turn Drill — shop on Amazon with one click.
Classic tall cones for slalom drills, grids, and field marking.
Standard for U9–U12. Great for skill development and drill work.
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Browse all gearEquipment Needed
- 4 cones
- 1 ball per player
Shop This Drill
Classic tall cones for slalom drills, grids, and field marking.
View on AmazonStandard for U9–U12. Great for skill development and drill work.
View on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Tags
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