How to Juke or Dodge a Defender in Football (Soccer)

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Get the ball.

   Spot the defender who's about to tackle you.
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   Step 2: Keep your head up so you can see the field - you need to know where you want to move before you go.

   The center of the field is usually the best side to run to as it gives you more space to run free.
   
   The sideline is the defense's 12th man.
   
   Because of this, it may be useful to juke towards the sideline, then quickly dart in the other direction. , Running directly at the defender will make your move less predictable too. ,, An inexperienced defender (or in the case of a simple pick up game) will watch shoulders; use this to your advantage.
   
   Juke with your shoulders rotating in the opposite direction of where you intend to cut back. , Do this by twitching your hips or wiggling your shoulders in that direction. , You're one step closer to leaving him in the dust, quickly plant the foot opposite the direction you want to go, shift your weight, rotate your hips, push off with both feet and explode in the new direction (you may need to make this first move completely lateral depending on how good your initial move was). , If the defender is really close, you can also lower your shoulder and give the guy a really hard hit under the chin or in the chest. 75% of the time, the guy will let go.
   
   If done correctly, this can cause plenty of damage. ,
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   Step 3: Run directly at the defender before you make your move

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   Step 4: do not run to the left or right of the defender if at all possible as you will have to cover more distance if you intend to cut back to the opposite side.

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   Step 5: In general you will not have enough time to make more than one move as the defense will be coming at you from behind.

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   Step 6: Experienced defenders are taught to watch your hips

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   Step 7: not your head or torso.

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   Step 8: As get to within 1–3 yards (0.9–2.7 m) of the defender

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   Step 9: lead him to pursue you in the direction opposite that which you intend to go.

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    Step 10: If it appears that the defender is committed to pursuing you in that direction

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    Step 11: great!

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    Step 12: Use the arm closest to the defender to bat away his hands or even lay a nice stiff arm.

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    Step 13: Pull your feet forward and high; the last thing you want is to be "shoestring" tackled after dusting a defender

Detailed Guide

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