The Ultimate Guide to Football Skills: Learn Step by Step Like Messi & Ronaldo
Football is a team sport, but often it’s a single moment of individual brilliance that becomes unforgettable. A clever flick, an intricate turn, or a brilliant piece of skill can immortalize a player in the eyes of fans. Legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are remembered not only for goals but for their extraordinary footballing skills.
Whether you’re a striker, winger, or attacking midfielder, learning these skills can give you the edge on the pitch. Many of the world’s most famous football skills — such as the Cruyff Turn, the Maradona Turn, and the Flip Flap — are now practiced by players of all ages around the world.
Here at Coachability, we’ve created the ultimate list of good football skills to learn, from basic tricks to advanced moves. You can even practice most of them at home, in a garden, or at a local park.
Why Football Skills Matter
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Improve ball control and confidence on the pitch
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Create space to beat defenders and score
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Develop creativity and flair like Messi and Ronaldo
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Build game awareness and tactical intelligence
Step-by-Step Football Skills List
We’ve ranked these skills from basic to advanced, including a difficulty rating (DR) from 1–10.
1. The Maradona Turn (DR 10)
Also called the “360” or “Marseille Roulette,” this move was popularised by Diego Maradona.
How to do it:
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Stand on the ball with one foot
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Spin over the ball to shield it from the defender
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Use the other foot to drag the ball away and continue forward
Why it’s great: Shields the ball while changing direction quickly — perfect for beating tight marking.
2. Step Over (DR 3)
Simple but effective, the step over creates space to pass, cross, or shoot. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the most famous modern practitioners, often using multiple step overs in succession.
How to do it:
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Step over the ball with one foot
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Fake movement in that direction
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Push the ball in the opposite direction and accelerate
3. Scissor Kick / Bicycle Kick (DR 10)
An acrobatic strike where the player makes contact midair. Famous goals include Wayne Rooney’s scissor kick against Manchester City.
How to do it:
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Jump backwards with your back to goal
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Kick the ball over your head in a controlled motion
4. Panenka (DR 5)
A clever penalty technique first used by Antonin Panenka in 1976.
How to do it:
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Strike the ball lightly under the center
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Make it rise and fall slowly, deceiving the goalkeeper expecting a shot to the left or right
5. Puskas V Move (DR 6)
Made famous by Ferenc Puskas in 1953, this trick involves dragging the ball back while fooling a sliding defender.
Step-by-step:
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Receive the ball near the goal
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Drag the ball back or sideways to mislead defenders
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Move in a new direction and continue attack
6. Flip Flap / Elastico (DR 7)
A Brazilian classic, first executed by Rivelino and perfected by Ronaldinho.
How to do it:
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Push the ball one way with the outside of your foot
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Quickly whip it back with the inside of the same foot
Why it’s good: Confuses defenders and creates instant space.
7. Cruyff Turn (DR 5)
Named after Johan Cruyff, this turn is a must-learn skill.
How to do it:
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Fake a pass or cross
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Drag the ball behind your standing leg
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Turn 180 degrees and accelerate away from defenders
8. Rabona (DR 8)
Kicking the ball with your legs crossed. Rare but highly stylish.
How to do it:
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Wrap your kicking leg around the standing leg to strike the ball
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Often used for crosses or shots with flair
9. Drag Back / Pull Back (DR 4)
A simple yet effective skill used to change direction quickly and evade a defender. Often seen in Messi’s close control play.
How to do it:
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Place the sole of your foot on top of the ball
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Pull the ball back toward yourself while pivoting
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Accelerate in a new direction to leave the defender behind
Why it’s great: Helps maintain possession in tight spaces and opens up passing or shooting opportunities.
10. Roulette / 360 Spin (DR 8)
A flashy turn that combines control and agility. It’s similar to the Maradona Turn but can be used more fluidly in tight spaces.
How to do it:
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Step on the ball with one foot while rotating your body
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Spin 360 degrees to shield the ball
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Use the other foot to move past the defender
Why it’s great: Ideal for breaking defensive lines and maintaining ball control under pressure.
Getting Started with Football Skills
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Start with basic skills and gradually progress to advanced tricks
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Practice in a garden, park, or training pitch
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Record yourself to track improvement
Why Messi & Ronaldo Stand Out
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Lionel Messi: Exceptional dribbling, balance, and vision — a master of tight-space skills
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Cristiano Ronaldo: Step overs, feints, and powerful finishing make him a complete forward
FAQs – Football Skills
How do I learn football skills step by step like Messi and Ronaldo?
Start with basic moves like the step over or drag back, then gradually progress to advanced skills like the Flip Flap, Cruyff Turn, or Rabona. Practice consistently, watch tutorials of Messi and Ronaldo, and focus on control, timing, and acceleration.
What are the best football skills to learn?
Some of the most effective skills include:
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Step Over
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Cruyff Turn
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Flip Flap / Elastico
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Maradona Turn
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Rabona
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Drag Back / Pull Back
These moves improve dribbling, passing, and attacking options.
How can I practice football skills at home or in a park?
Use a small space with cones or markers to simulate defenders. Wall passes, dribbling drills, and solo ball control exercises are perfect for practicing football skills basic and advanced moves.
What skills help improve dribbling and control?
Moves like the Roulette / 360 Spin, Flip Flap, and Step Over are excellent for tight spaces. Practicing these regularly builds confidence and ball mastery.
What are some good football skills to learn for attacking players?
Attacking players benefit from:
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Maradona Turn
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Cruyff Turn
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Flip Flap
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Rabona
These tricks help beat defenders, create space, and produce memorable moments in matches.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Mastering footballing skills requires patience and practice. Start with basic moves, progress step by step, and watch top players like Messi and Ronaldo for inspiration.
For expertise in learning and refining the above mentioned skills, check out our 1 to 1 football coaching page to find verified football coaches near you.
