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DribblingIntermediate

Scissors Move Practice

Players learn the scissors — stepping over the ball to fake a direction — and practice it first in isolation, then against a passive defender.

12 min
2–10 players
4 cones, 1 ball per player

Objective

Master the scissors step-over as a reliable 1v1 move to beat a defender.

Scissors Move Practice youth soccer drill demonstration

Visual Concept

PCone SlalomWeave through cones — both feet

Top-down diagram — Dribbling drill layout

Setup

Each player has a ball. Mark a 5-yard channel with two cones. Players practice in the channel, then pair up for 1v1 reps.

How to Run It

1

Stationary scissors

Ball stationary. Step the right foot over the ball from inside to outside (the scissors motion). Plant right foot, push ball left with the outside of the left foot. Repeat slowly 10 times.

2

Moving scissors

Dribble slowly forward. Perform the scissors step-over while the ball is rolling. Push away in the opposite direction of the step-over.

3

Double scissors

Step over with the right foot, then immediately step over with the left foot before pushing away. This adds an extra fake.

4

Against a defender

Passive defender stands 2 yards away. Dribbler performs the scissors and accelerates past. Defender reacts but does not tackle.

Coaching Cues

The step-over must be exaggerated — a small scissors fools nobody

Plant your foot firmly after the step-over before pushing the ball away

Accelerate hard after the move — the scissors only works if you go

Use it when the defender is flat-footed, not when they're already moving

Variations

  • Add a live defender who can tackle after the scissors
  • Combine scissors with a body feint before the step-over
  • Practice with the weak foot leading the step-over

More Dribbling Drills

Beginner

Cone Slalom Dribble

Players weave through a line of cones using both feet, focusing on close ball control at speed.

10 min 1–4
View Drill
Beginner

Inside-Outside Touch

Alternate inside and outside touches while moving forward. Great for developing natural ball feel.

8 min 1–6
View Drill
Intermediate

1v1 Moves Practice

Players practice step-overs, scissors, and body feints before taking on a passive defender.

15 min 2–8
View Drill