Explaining Lionel Messi's dribbling ability, part 2: Change of direction, strength, & mobility

Explaining Lionel Messi's dribbling ability, part 2: Change of direction, strength, & mobility | Biomechanics breakdown & sports science
Dr. Rajpal Brar, DPT breaks down Barcelona and Argentina legend Lionel Messi's incredible dribbling ability & technique in a three part series. In part two, he details Messi’s change of direction ability, strength, and mobility.
Here’s a table of contents, header (sub-headings):
- 0:00 Intro
- 0:37 Change of direction (ready state; short strides)
- 2:17 Strength (muscle development; Messi’s core & hip strength; neuromuscular activation; leverage, all 3 in combination; “this is just ridiculous”)
- 5:52 Mobility (joint & muscle mobility; nervous system “comfort”)
- 7:03 Part 3 preview (change of speeds; dribbling technique; composure)
For those at work or the hard of hearing, I've transcribed subtitles on KZbin so sound isn't required.
For reference, I’m a DPT (Doctor of Physio) and youth football (soccer) coach well-versed in sports science and biomechanics, and owner of 3CB Performance - online health content, telehealth services and sports rehab & performance clinics in West LA and Valencia, CA.
Feel free to hit me with questions and/or you can always find me on my website or follow on social media:
Website: www.3cbperformance.com/
Twitter: / 3cbperformance
Instagram: / 3cbperformance

[@3cbperformance]

If you appreciate the channel, please support via subs, likes, comments, and shares on other platforms. All questions and your time spent watching are always appreciated. Feel free to hit me with questions and/or you can always find me on my website or follow on social media: Website: www.3cbperformance.com/ Twitter: twitter.com/3cbPerformance Instagram: instagram.com/3cbperformance/

[@SohailZaman782]

How do I increase my running cadence

[@bijua.g9611]

Hlo Bro Do u remember me

[@slazerlombardi]

Can you do a similar analysis Faf de Klerk? He's a beast in rugby and yet smaller than most

[@atletik7]

This work is just...incredible. You absolutely deserve more man!

[@3cbperformance]

No7 Football thanks mate

[@emirece10]

selamünaleyküm

[@bex622]

This is quality work!! I never realized how much brain and additional fitness Messi's magic requires.

[@3cbperformance]

It's incredible. Thanks for watching

[@vicity4585]

Incredible video once more detailing why messi makes football look too easy, most times magical even. Almost like he was born and built for football. More indept analysis is always loved... Thank you so much

[@3cbperformance]

Thanks for watching.

[@BFG_10G]

Maybe that's why his shots are so powerful even from short distance. All that hip strength. It's like a tight spring ready to go.

[@3cbperformance]

Love that analogy

[@Edward-ho2bm]

love that

[@zezo7359]

Make a video saying where Messi looks at when dribbling.

[@nesoaniagboso7287]

I’ve always wondered is he watching the ball or the defenders feet

[@ellis1469]

He looks into a half space beetween looking up and at everything else he sees the ball with his peripheral the defender as well but he will look at the ball if he has to

[@Kobra-_-w]

He looks in between the ball and the defender so he can get as clear of a view as possible but if he has space and time and if no defender is closing him down or are pressing in at him he tends to look up and get a clear view of everything

[@ricardokaka3769]

​​@@nesoaniagboso7287 defender's feet but he can also see the ball at the same time

[@AmitDebnath09]

This is amazing! I love the new content like this freakin amazing!

[@3cbperformance]

Amit Debnath Thanks for watching mate, much appreciated. Check out parts 1 & 3 and let me know what you think

[@juneabbott6805]

Outstanding breakdown and analysis. Bravo 🙌 And thank you 🙏

[@patricksom8912]

Nice video 👌 I like the way it is detailed

[@amanbisht579]

Dude , I've been looking for a channel like yours for ages . I am so happy to finally find something that can boost my game .

[@3cbperformance]

Cheers

[@wyattkasserman4743]

This series helped so much nice job bro

[@3cbperformance]

Thanks mate

[@surajk8050]

Another great video Bro. Keep them coming

[@3cbperformance]

Thanks! Will do!

[@fellipeeloi7221]

Congratulations for this job! Absolutely incredible! Hello from Brazil.

[@seifbenchiekh3871]

This deserves waaay much more views ❤️ Great work.. This is the best football vid i've ever seen and trust me i've seen a lot of them

[@3cbperformance]

thanks mate

[@seifbenchiekh3871]

@@3cbperformance no thank you.. For the awsome video I know the amount of time and effort it takes that's way i'm so amazed by your work 👏👏

[@DavidCanales]

Great video Dr. Brar! As a Kinesiology student, I really enjoy watching your content, keep it up!

[@3cbperformance]

David Canales appreciate you taking the time to watch

[@rawr7502]

Great content

[@iganpparamarta8813]

💯 best explanation in youtube.

[@3cbperformance]

Paramarta Iganp thank you 🙏

[@JuggIb]

This is a great breakdown I never really took in his strength aspect but you touched on it incredibly

[@3cbperformance]

Thank you

[@santbhindranwalejidefanche8767]

Vadhiya video bnayi aa brar saab

[@saschasirianos3658]

Awesome video man, incredible depth and analogies. Keep it up and you will get more than you deserve 🙌

[@3cbperformance]

thanks mate

[@mrxaviegaming9203]

Thankyou sir,video was helpful

[@3cbperformance]

yw

[@drez6004]

Can't wait for part 3

[@3cbperformance]

This coming monday. Appreciate you watching

[@bassamnazar4792]

Great Video, can u pls do a analysis on Riqui Puig please on how he dominates the midfield and controls the game Would be of immense help thanks .

[@saraberisha6773]

Good work

[@3cbperformance]

Thanks mate

[@OCD.Reader]

Awesome 😍

[@3cbperformance]

Tridib Banerjee thanks mate

[@dingliedangliedoodle9261]

5:37 Holy shit did they tried to assassinate him. Even if Messi didn't move the ball along, the aim was still over the top of ball.

[@3cbperformance]

Dinglie Danglie Doodle Going in without any thought to player safety. Complete joke

[@samirsilwal8341]

Really your videos are enjoyable with knowledge. If you will ever make videos on Tactics please consider making video about Pep Guardiola's positional game (Tiki Taka) or Jose Mourinho's counter attack. Also really I appreciate yor work sir. Best wishes for future videos

[@3cbperformance]

Thanks for watching. I'll keep those in mind

[@whyamiblessed3665]

Thanks so much!Can u make a series on how to train to dribble like Messi?!

[@3cbperformance]

Working on it

[@whyamiblessed3665]

@@3cbperformance Waiting for it...

[@aparichit9728]

@@3cbperformance is it done now

[@muhammademraanseo]

@@3cbperformance waiting for it. Plx upload fast

[@larryasare9744]

Could you please do a break down analysis on Arjen Robben’s signature cut inside move?

[@3cbperformance]

That's a good move

[@zezo7359]

Please part 4 of all the hip, core and leg work out Messi does please bro

[@3cbperformance]

I’m not sure what he does exactly. Also, the main thing to start with is your balance.

[@zezo7359]

Ok that’s great to hear thanks boss love you channel

[@Edward-ho2bm]

Idk what he does really but ig he just does exercises just like any other footballer really.For core search the best core exercises for footballers.Leg exercises are pretty common in all footballers so like squats with weight lunges with weight bulgarian split squats with weight and so many more

[@abhinav7046]

Awesome👏👏👏👏👏💛💛💛

[@3cbperformance]

Thanks 🤗

[@keychain3554]

Hi, could you do the same thing that you did for Messi for Mbappe? I would love to have your take on that. Thanks

[@3cbperformance]

Will take a look

[@evenaicantfigurethisout]

How to develop functional core and hip strength?

[@carlospk4744]

Do an analysis of how Messi protects the ball during a race!

[@3cbperformance]

What do you mean by race?

[@Aero10]

Are there any training regime’s out there u would recommend to improve these as aspects , another incredible video 👏👏👏

[@3cbperformance]

Hey mate - I'll be following up with videos on how you can help train each of these pieces. It's too much for one video

[@Aero10]

3CB Performance can’t wait for the next video on the series , I’m a real fan of your work man , keep it up 👊

[@Dan-qt4xb]

@@3cbperformance Talk about messi Insane and ridiculous acceleration with the ball.

[@3cbperformance]

@@Dan-qt4xb That's in the next video mate. Also, he has insane deceleration which is even more important

[@Dan-qt4xb]

@@3cbperformance oh yeah. Thanks

[@vedanshkumar215]

great video but how do we train our neuromuscular system to react as fast as him or any pro player

[@3cbperformance]

That depends on the specifics of each person

[@krlllx]

footballer with attitude

[@numairahmad7326]

Bro you definitely explained it well but how can we work on these will love to know of course no one is messi but no harm in training

[@3cbperformance]

I'm working on some training videos that incorporate some of these items

[@3cbperformance]

Working on it mate. Thanks for watching

[@timokimo61]

I'm also looking for anything to start with from any of these parts you provided, thank you so much

[@CrazyBoy-vz6yk]

Still working on it bro?

[@3cbperformance]

Crazy Boy yes

[@Edward-ho2bm]

Hi!Do you think that the barcelona gym coaches helped him with all these that u talking about?Strength mobilty etc?

[@3cbperformance]

Yes, they’re definitely a part of it

[@Edward-ho2bm]

@@3cbperformance Yeah.Messi is deff really lucky to have joined barca&same as barca is really lucky to have a player like Messi.With all the talent he has there s no way he did t work hard like any other pro footballer especially since he has faced defenders like Ramos who are really really strong.Also 1 more thing is that u said Messi has most muscle around his legs which is true but i checked an old photo of Messi and man has some hugee shoulders yk.No wonder he s so strong+core strength and all that

[@ashaygoli3014]

His use of core muscles and stretching adductor muscle a lot to balance himself from contact is probably the reason for his frequent groin problem.

[@3cbperformance]

Ashay Goli Very well could be - excellent point - and then we know once you have one groin/adductor issue, it’s the biggest predictor of having future issues

[@ashaygoli3014]

@@3cbperformance Yes.👍 Anyways amazing content. Looking forward for more.

[@jelel9698]

Great explanation but you forgot the key element to Messi's effective dribbling which is the fact that his body joints are made up out of rubber and this is why he is so flexible like a plasteline.

[@3cbperformance]

Sorry for missing that

[@KevinClean]

Can you please tell me what is the beat called at the beginning ?

[@krlllx]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6axoJahaZeDrtU

[@jadenmascarenhas4069]

More than messi i am surprised with your detailed analysis

[@3cbperformance]

Not sure to take that as a compliment or not lol. Appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@zharth.]

6:52 I don't think he supports his full body weight when he's intentionally rolling his ankle. He's just timing it with the forward momentum so that he's mostly "floating" on it, so to speak, but still impressive. You can see him push forward with the bottom of his right foot before rolling it, and then planting on his left to absorb the full body weight + momentum. It allows for a longer stride because of the added foot length from rolling off of the initial push. I think he knew that he needed more distance in order to grab the ball for more control/beat the defender just before planting his foot, otherwise he would have pushed it with his toes into his opponent from not having the distance to wrap around the ball. It's obviously an instinctual thing at that level.

[@GOATharva]

Hey Raj, Analysis on Cr7 Please...🤙

[@3cbperformance]

I have some coming on him soon mate...

[@alvaroarmenteros9575]

2:10 yo have to talk about the touch, most importan thing there, outside of the foot, backspin to the ball

[@essidrovital6397]

hes no doubt the best dribbler of all time

[@3cbperformance]

Just ridiculous dribbling

[@harikrishnan4241]

Believe me when I say this, you don't get enough appreciation !

[@3cbperformance]

Cheers

[@SohailZaman782]

how do i increase nervous comfort and neuromuscular activation.

[@3cbperformance]

Sohail zaman It varies person to person so not something I can comment on generally

[@SohailZaman782]

@@3cbperformance no like can you give some exercise dealing with nervous comfort and neuromuscular activation

[@JS-id7nd]

How do I increase my mobility ?

[@3cbperformance]

J S depends on where and why you’re immobile in the first place

[@cond.oriano4945]

Hey so if we would want to get as good as Messi In dribbling which would be the main targets to train? Like have you ever heard of the 80/20 rule? Like 20% of work gives you 80% of the results? And if so what would be the case with Messi after doing an analysis on him in your opinion besides from diet and conditions because those are pretty basic principles and I heard Messi is a vegetarian as well

[@3cbperformance]

Balance and neuromuscular control. I'm quite familiar with the 80/20 rule

[@cond.oriano4945]

3CB Performance I see and I also think why he has endless stamina and acceleration is due to his vegetarian diet. I suggest to watch the game changers and they talk about how changing to a vegan diet is very beneficial and gives you endless amounts of energy compared to a meat eater diet. So I think that’s one of the reasons why he’s a vegetarian as well when he’s playing but I think he eats meat when he’s off season. But yeah, should I also practice how he accelerates and how he keeps his balance? I’m 6’0 so I’m not sure if I’ll be able to exactly get the same playstyle as him

[@3cbperformance]

@@cond.oriano4945 I've seen game changers but you have to remember he's also under detailed nutritional guidance so it's not as simple as him just being a vegetarian. I'd say balance, neuromuscular control (work on eccentric strength), and being in the ready position that I touched on

[@cond.oriano4945]

3CB Performance I see thanks! And how would I train neuromuscular control? Are there specific workouts to train that?

[@3cbperformance]

Con D. Oriano Work on dynamic balance and movement control (for example lateral skater hops and really emphasizing the landing and balance aspects)

[@bijua.g9611]

you are from which country I am proud of you

[@3cbperformance]

I'm from the US; my parents are from India

[@bijua.g9611]

Me too also an Indian Anyway I don't like to discriminate anyone, so 1 country so I am Proud of You. If you post these types of videos again You will definitely get more subscribers.You deserve more. In Where ur Parents are living.

[@bijua.g9611]

In India Where ur parents are living.'Typing Mistake😁😁'

[@myriam9542]

That’s crazy how his body fonction to me 😨

[@3cbperformance]

Incredible

[@josephafuwape7852]

Where do you look while dribbling

[@3cbperformance]

Joseph Afuwape depends on the phase of dribbling

[@josephafuwape7852]

@@3cbperformance how

[@aidan2849]

Please break down Messi's gameshow competition in Japan vs the robo keeper or how hes able to control a ball from a great height like here kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmK6fp5qoa6Nhrs specifically this one surprised me

[@PitoriEats]

He Has Mastered How much amount power must be applied to the ball, where and when. He always lays the ball opposite the opponent's direction 😂😂😂

[@3cbperformance]

He has truly mastered the basics

[@bishantalyngdohnongbri849]

Actually you don't need to be on your toes much because being on your toes too much might hurt your toes

[@albriengoldenbrush6328]

Idk, it realy makes me uneasy when he flexed his ankle so easily during dribbling. Good thing is, nobody targeting his ankle, which might be dangerous for him.

[@3cbperformance]

What do you mean by “flexes his ankle so easily during dribbling”

[@albriengoldenbrush6328]

@@3cbperformance umm, I mean like in 6:53 just looking at him makes my ankle hurt haha

[@3cbperformance]

@@albriengoldenbrush6328 ahh gotcha

[@majinmanbhakun6540]

Bro his main abilities for his insane dribbling is bcus of 4 things i.e body faint, nutmeg, short touches, fast pace. These 4 abilities are the true factors that mainly contributes to his dribbling while beating defenders. Balance will develop on its own while playing, practicing, training and trying to stay on balance everytime you receive a rough tackle. And also the main thing to stay on balance is by lowering your body forward. Im a national football player captained in all senior team i played in and it was my coach that taught me about the balance thing

[@3cbperformance]

The 4 abilities you listed are all outputs, not inputs

[@majinmanbhakun6540]

@@3cbperformance umm okay, they are still the main factors about his dribbling tho. If anyone wants to dribble like Messi then they should practice those 4 main, body faint and being able to dribble fast yet short touches bcus the shorter the touch more control on the ball. He also uses nutmeg quite often. Messi isn't the "skills" player like Ronaldinho if you know what I Mean. His dribbling is direct even tho he knows how to freestyle like Ronaldinho but it's not his playstyle.

[@dhruvsoni3729]

It seems like you're Indian,isn't it?Well if yes then can you please do this in hindi language??

[@3cbperformance]

I'm Punjabi so I don't know Hindi like that. Feel free to convert the current subtitles to hindi and add them.

[@uaman11]

thats just not fair HAHAHAHA