Cruyff Turn

1. Set up two cones approximately 5 metres apart.
2. Start with the ball at one cone and dribble at speed towards the other.
3. At the second cone, perform a Cruyff turn, turning 180° and accelerating back towards the starting cone.
4. At the starting cone, perform another Cruyff turn and accelerate back.
5. Continue alternating between the two cones.

The Cruyff turn is one of the most recognisable 180° turns in football and remains a highly effective way to escape pressure and create space. It is especially useful when a defender expects you to pass or shoot — sell the action, drag the ball behind your standing leg and accelerate away in the opposite direction. Every position can benefit from mastering the movement, whether you're a midfielder receiving under pressure, a winger facing a defender or a defender looking to escape an opponent.

• After the turn, explode away with your first touch and accelerate into the space.
• Sell the fake by shaping your body as if you are about to pass or shoot before dragging the ball behind your standing leg.

• Before each turn, exaggerate the movement as if you are going to pass or shoot, then use the Cruyff turn to change direction.
• Practise the turn with both feet so you can execute it in either direction.