While international players like Cristiano Ronaldo continue to dazzle fans and opponents alike with their spectacular moves, it seems to me that these have become increasingly overlooked here in the U.S.

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The Elite Phase: The Full Bloom (U-19)

Development of functional and team play:

Fulfillment of a player’s potential depends on his or her own efforts, the support of teammates and the unselfish guidance of her coach. Continue Reading

The Fervid Phase: The Dedication (U-16)

Development of individual skills – individual, group and team tactics:

This is a critical time in the player’s development. Continue Reading

The Formal Phase: The Commitment (U-14)

Development of individual skills – individual and small group tactics:

Adult standards and formal rules become applicable. Continue Reading

A forward attempts to get past a defender

Unfortunately, there is no one, simple answer to this question. There are no moves or plays that will always work any better than others – otherwise everyone would do it.

Jukes and fakes will often not work at all on defenders because a good defender should be focused on the ball and not your fakes. Passing can also be an option, but even that is not always possible nor always the best choice.

That being said, there are a few options.

If they give you space – say by jockeying you down the line – take that space and try to create an opportunity for them to make a mistake or for you to pass. A lot of defenders will become impatient if you stay patient yourself. Many times, they will give up their positioning and try to poke the ball away (the younger you are, the more common this will be). Wait for that. If the defender overplays in any direction even for a moment, capitalize on that and use that opportunity to try to get past him.

If you want to be more aggressive, you can still use jukes and fakes. The key is to keep the offender off-balance – both mentally and physically. You want to use the moves you are strong at, but if you always use one or two moves, a good defender will be expecting those. Switch it up from time to time. Also, try to figure out the defenders’ weaknesses. If you know a defender isn’t good with their left, attack that side; if you know you are faster, use your speed; if you know you are stronger, use your strength.