How To Beat A Defender One v One | The Ultimate Dribbling Tutorial For Footballers

In this video, we learn how to dribble like Messi, Hazard, Robben and other top level players. During this detailed dribbling tutorial, we talk through, step by step, how to approach a defender in a one v one situation so that you can consistently beat your opponent. Take your dribbling to the next level with these tips.
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[@kylemacenco]

Let’s hope that defenders aren’t watching this

[@bestsoccertricks]

Yes indeed, good one!

[@fktoons3064]

😂😂😂😂 am a defender right back,we are playing a tournament,and none of the players in the field apply this method,I will make sure I use it against them..kudos!!!🙏🙏🙏👏👏👏🤝🤝🤝👍👍👍

[@mintovarghese3569]

u r a great teacher hope i will see u as a coach later

[@7mlc]

+Minto Varghese Thanks mate

[@dudegaming4363]

Those who disliked are defenders

[@andrewanderson3016]

they don't want us to know how to beat them

[@darkstaramv5715]

if this was a joke...it's really a good one😂😂😂😂

[@mfawls9624]

I'm getting old and trying to get better at dribbling because I've played D for decades. I like this video and others of his. In general he's correct, but good defenders have tricks too. When you come straight at me I can often turn you where I want you to go because you are reading my moves. My moves CAN be feints too, designed to turn you outside or to your weaker foot. A good defenders does a lot of observing to see what preferences the offensive player he's covering has. I have taken myself out of games so I can watch my opponent from the sideline, to come back in better prepared. Also, it's true that turning the defender and shooting past is good. However, a quick and fast defender will be back on you very rapidly. Turning creates momentum and since you are turning around an axis as a defender, you can direct that momentum in any direction. Making a defender shift sideways is much more damaging because momentum is committed only one way. A spin lets me plant then go in any direction. Watch an NFL lineman spin off an opponent and see how quickly they come around toward the QB. It's the same in soccer. I think the video is good, very useful but these are basic ideas for beating an inexperienced or non-thinking defender. Despite striker's assertions, offense is not the creative part of the game. A good defender is a predator, always watching for weakness to exploit and every forward has tells and preferences if you know what to look for.

[@mkay2950]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@MrFOXIETIMMA]

Joshua Santhosh it’s low quality Fuck u

[@bendove3939]

Easily understandable, amazing tips, extremely useful and very helpful and effective. Always have wanted a vid like this one to help beat defenders... you can use skill moves but also just changes of direction and pace and being undpredictable and explosive is key to good dribblers. Thank you so much 7mlc for making this phenomenal video!!!! Big thumbs up!!!

[@TheGuiltyGuys]

Best 1v1 tutorial I've ever seen, great work!

[@7mlc]

Thanks so much mate, that means a lot!

[@tommydellz]

Love this! No flashy shit, no tricks, just practical advice which actually works. Much appreciated man

[@mrclaie]

Long time no see. This is the first video i'm watching in 3-4 months and i can say that you have improved a lot! Amazing job Michael and thank you for sharing those tips with us.

[@7mlc]

Claie U I appreciate the positive feedback, thank you!

[@toqeernasir1605]

The best dribbling tutorial on KZbin.. Especially the nudge technique the vision tip and the off balance advice Its a top level tip..

[@harrygilson8449]

Thank you so much for the great videos! They always help a lot with training and matches.

[@7mlc]

Harry Gilson Happy to help Harry!

[@kaibaird2992]

Great. I've been waiting for a tutorial on how to beat defense. This really was a well put together tutorial. Looking forward to using these tips in future games. Great stuff.

[@7mlc]

Kai Baird Really appreciate the feedback, and glad to help out mate. Enjoy using the tips!

[@asmokersphilosophy]

This is something i have been working on but the way you modeled it and explained filled in all the questions i had

[@virgilcas3503]

I LOVE YOU SO MUCHHHHHHHHHHH, EVERYTIME I WATCH YOUR VIDEOS IT MAKES ME FEEL LIKE I CAN MAKE MY NATIONAL TEAM!!!

[@7mlc]

That's awesome! Keep pushing 💪

[@juanmartinlesmesacevedo7688]

hey man you´re a good teacher for football, i do´nt spaek English very well but with you i usually understand that you explain in your videos thanks for everything

[@7mlc]

My pleasure to help mate!

[@maalekbakkar7838]

Thx bro helped me a lot made me make it for country trials 😁

[@ufuomamichael]

I dont usually comment on youtube videos, but man this absolutely nailed it. Anyone wanting to master one v one dribbling, search no further, this is all you need!

[@kaja8521]

best 1 vs 1 Video I ve ever see. Brilliant

[@memeydreamy3948]

So underrated

[@7mlc]

I appreciate that man!

[@brandonhernandez-segura5494]

Waiting for the day I get to watch you play on TV bro 👌🏽 🙌🏽

[@7mlc]

Thanks Brandon! I appreciate the support mate 👊

[@genie6903]

I would LOVE to see him on TV

[@arefadamali4982]

Clear and convincing. Excellent material.

[@samuelshelton8042]

Watching these KZbin videos has actually motivated me and made me improve as a player. A tip for skill moves is working on both feet too. Especially when getting a shot away. Stepping your weaker foot over the ball and then dragging it to the other side to shoot.

[@DaniXtreme3]

Is it possible to do a video on how to use your body while attacking, such as knocking a player off the ball and shoulder bumping. I haven't found many videos of this nature on KZbin and I think you can make a very good one on this aspect

[@7mlc]

DaniXtreme3 That's an interesting request mate, I'll see what I can do!

[@DaniXtreme3]

7mlc Thanks!

[@mfawls9624]

In general trying to out muscle a defender is ineffective. If you try to use your body against a defender directly, as in pushing or leaning you are in too close. Not having the ball to protect allows the defender to use the power of their legs to physically unbalance you. My thighs have more power and are at a lower center of gravity than your upper body, even if you outweigh me considerably. In a running situation, for a quick bump to off balance a defender it can work. My opinion is though that footwork and acceleration far exceed physicality on offense.

[@samherrin498]

what I've always done is once I dribble past someone I cut them off instantly even if it's easier to keep going straight. When you do this they'll either trip over your legs and it's a foul and or they will eventually back off so they don't trip you(this is what messi does alot and it makes them back off of you once you've passed them).

[@Obito-r-]

Thank you Maestro! Such an fantastic know how in football. great vision aswell

[@7mlc]

I appreciate the positive feedback!

[@dovesshow3112]

This was so helpful!! Thanks!

[@Mdoekosad]

Fantastic video. Keep it up💪🏿. I never looked at the hips. But now I know.

[@oscarmartinez4701]

such a good channel 🙏🏽 i will surely be improving overall

[@7mlc]

Thanks so much mate!

[@akirasakura817]

the way you explain it 100% brilliantly ,i use to look at big player play trying to see and understand what they are doing to defeat they opponent . 7mlc what if you facing again a calm opponent he follow your movement but that just how he wanted you to think what he will do once you push the other direction he tackle the ball .

[@akirasakura817]

let's just say this player have play every position he basically know how every player play what they going to try and doing , this player can predict what you going do and he got some speed the reason this player want to stop you is cause trying to buying time or making you tired .

[@7mlc]

Unless the defender is an actual mind reader, you can always find a way to beat him 👍

[@akirasakura817]

some people could be a really fast learner , like you learn by looking at playing like messi harzard robben play and other top player , but mbappe can't pass again thiago silva , don't give your opponent too many touch , never let them get the ball and all ways stay close to them , disturb them when they running , like a car can't drive over another car when there a car at front of them . Imagine a defender learning what you teach about how to defeat defender they learning something there how to avoid to be defeat .

[@Peterthebird11]

Akira Sakura you just go in knowing the space you want to run in. And if the player reacts and knows where you are going you can do a fake or just use your skills to get passed them.

[@mfawls9624]

@@7mlc I don't know, defenders have tricks too.

[@kevster5252]

Saw this video before but forgot how amazing it was. Thanks for the great tips! Loved watching u dribble at the end. They were great examples.

[@7mlc]

Thanks so much, glad it helped Kevin!

[@TigerKing-hu4jj]

This was the perfect video i was looking for. Thx a lot.

[@GamingWidFriendsForever]

Best turtorials !!!! Explains in detail and the tricks r easy ;)

[@7mlc]

Thanks mate!

[@tseringp6598]

I can see trees 🌲 🌲 🌲 on my right.... you are so rounded by 🌲 just saying nice video luv 1. Go straight to the defense with pace 2. Look 👀 in between the defender and ball 3. Short but quick foot drips/steps (key) 4. Move the ball with your outside shoe laces 5. Never or try not to plan a move against but react your move against them Thanks much appreciated

[@7mlc]

Exactly mate, good points to take away. Also remember slightly manipulating the ball in different directions and changing speed are also ways to be more unpredictable 👍

[@alexnoga807]

Tsering Palkey You gotta sway dem trees

[@DFTVRVA]

My mans took notes. I look up to you now😬

[@abhishekdubey4807]

Michael Lewis Cunningham.. One of greatest tutorial shows/episode/video... I watched this video in 2018 and 1 year later i have confidence to dribble any player 🔥🔥

[@meenusaini7942]

Noice

[@baraakhaldi1068]

wow can you please give me ur insta username so i message you i have some questions please

[@strawberryshirt87]

Awesomeness, thank you 🙏

[@roccobrola1619]

I have now watched every single one of your vids

[@marshalgonnakillme9382]

Roquemos Brola ok

[@showboater2603]

Great video! And tips!👍👏⚽️

[@7mlc]

SoccerSkiller Thanks so much mate!

[@denam1138]

Thanks alot man! I'm a midfielder who can defend but cant 1v1. This video helped me with attacking minded plays and exposing the defenders weaknesses!

[@EtherealOnTop]

All these tiny tips that can really make a difference in a game or a practice tysm this vid was really easy to understand ty

[@myopinion418]

This video was extremely well laid out and structured incredibly well, I absorbed every single piece of information given, I'd argue this video matches the quality of his video on how to play as a winger seriously how is this guy not at 500k

[@7mlc]

Thanks so much mate!

[@lewandirkski9662]

@@7mlc well I have a question for you If your nudging at a defender, hell start backing up. Should you do your body feint if he's still backing up?

[@nikhil_morales]

@@lewandirkski9662 I'd say you should probably continue to nudge the ball at them until they decide to dive in. Then you do a body feint. That's what I would do.

[@lewandirkski9662]

@@nikhil_morales I do the same but the problem is that if I nudge a the defender, they usually don't dive in but I still come too close to them because I move faster.

[@nikhil_morales]

@@lewandirkski9662 Well if they are backing up slowly, you can do two things. They would probably be flat-footed, so a quick move beside them at speed, should beat them. Also, you could slow down your speed of play, and then quickly accelerate again, testing if a change in pace would be able to beat the defender.

[@svartanatten9795]

Brilliant video!!!

[@7mlc]

Anonymous Messi I appreciate it mate, thank you!

[@edzaholic]

This is an excellent video, i really wish i had something like this growing up because it has been immensely helpful. This is exactly what i needed to know! So many videos and articles growing up and this video blows them all out of the water. nothing even comes close to the helpfulness of your video! thank you and keep up the good work!

[@7mlc]

Wow thank you so much, I really appreciate the kind words!!

[@ryanawulonu9226]

Thank you so much I really needed these tips

[@BlissOn47]

How to beat a defender? Answer : Don't make his life easy!

[@7mlc]

👍

[@andrewanderson3016]

i thought you said how TO do something. Not NOT doing something

[@UnknownDafaJR]

so amazing video, i think you will succes not just be football player but also coach

[@7mlc]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@jaywelsh3345]

Very well explained for coaches to take that mental picture before operating the skill. Thankyou. Top, top quality.

[@7mlc]

Happy to help Jay, thanks for the positive feedback!

[@ousadiaalegria3510]

really love this dribbling tips and drills.Good job mate.Keep up.Always support your hardwork for making this incredible vid .:D

[@7mlc]

S9 Irsyad Really appreciate the support mate, thank you!

[@wearegamers7706]

Awesome bro.....ur a genius

[@7mlc]

Really appreciate it bro!

[@vishnoo_prasad_m]

Wonderful tutorial.

[@7mlc]

Thank you Vishnoo!

[@nikcontv9630]

Nice work, thanks bro I will practice your tips in game

[@danielmuiru7948]

awesome... this one really helped... I learnt weak side of the defender and unbalancing him.

[@raultrejo1117]

i love your videos man, your a stud💪😤😳😌

[@7mlc]

Thanks so much mate!

[@thecornerfla9]

Nice vid bro...hope it comes in handy for me

[@7mlc]

Thank you bro, I know it will! 👍

[@bhawnatiwari4547]

You are too good bro. Loved your tutorial

[@karthikfeelssun]

Brilliant video. The best I have ever seen

[@yourduded7230]

A request for chip shot sir⚽ I really need to learn..

[@7mlc]

Legendary Fan Thank you for the request 👍

[@rumelaghosh3455]

great sir

[@7mlc]

Thank you Rumela!

[@ahmedsaleckbuh6992]

Super helpful 🙏🏽

[@ansupattnaik3714]

its important to keep it simple..thanks for the tips! learned a lot

[@7mlc]

Ansu Pattnaik My pleasure Ansu! Happy to help mate.

[@Gl-futebol]

Amazing video this really helped alot

[@7mlc]

Santos Santos Thank you mate, Happy it helps!

[@rumelaghosh3455]

two video requests sir please make a video on 1- how to finish near goal when 1v1 with the keeper and -on how to finish a ball by heading it in the box from crosses.

[@7mlc]

Thank you for the suggestions!

[@gabevolo294]

Thank you this helps a lot, I need this when I play against my college friends who are a lot older than me, they are a lot bigger and faster too

[@marlonnavarro3227]

Excelente amigo muy buenos tus vídeos🏅😃

[@muhaibhamdard5720]

You should play in the league 1

[@7mlc]

Muhaib Hamdard Thanks mate!

[@richadharris4516]

Muhaib Hamdard Yeah

[@Josh-on2zx]

That guy is SO RIGHT!!!

[@dopeboyrandy8973]

7mlc No you should play in the EFL Championship

[@benpagoza]

Muhaib Hamdard nice coment

[@fernando8205]

two questions, first how much space should i have when i’m nudging at them, and the second is when should i move because i go too early and they just get in front of me and take the ball

[@deepakarora8397]

Bro u should take a touch at every step and the step should be as small as our walking step And the answer of 2nd question is that u should never plan ur move just predict the weak side of defender and quickly think in mind which move is best which allows u to accelerate at his weak side Hope it will help u bro

[@joebruniges6478]

Brilliant video have watched it over an over!👌

[@wjddlf17]

Love your work as always! Thank you🙏

[@7mlc]

Thanks Jay! I appreciate it.

[@barch3117]

Thanks for these tips. I have a game in 2 hours and we really need to win it.

[@xoticwaste5398]

Did u win?

[@barch3117]

XoTic WasTe yes

[@csd7798]

I think you wld make a good vid bout a chipping

[@7mlc]

Thank you for the suggestion 👍

[@zerox8609]

this helped so much thx

[@piozavala74]

Excellent 👍 video. Thank you again from SoCal

[@garycoutts2986]

I've just come to realise you have almost 90,000 subscribers I remember when you had about 3 thousand haha

[@7mlc]

The support has been amazing! Thanks for sticking with me all this time mate 👍

[@aresol6487]

Gary Coutts lol 120k lol lol lol lol 😂😂💀💀

[@R-yo7or]

And now almost a half million

[@xoticwaste5398]

And now 600k

[@garycoutts2986]

XoTic WasTe wtf I forgot I even commented this

[@sulliethewhale3879]

And one more question, should you have a specific amount of space between you and the defender when changing direction?

[@fernando8205]

Sullie The whale that’s what i’m saying

[@daddybuzz08]

Absolute brilliant in depth guide well done

[@7mlc]

Thanks so much mate!

[@farhaan3519]

Honestly your videos have helped me improve my training and game sooooo much. Thank u

[@7mlc]

Really happy to hear that mate 👍

[@luyandahermans3259]

What is the right time to pass while dribbling?

[@joeogunbiyi6583]

Pass when u can’t dribble and there’s a better attacking option

[@messexyy]

Is it okay to dribble the ball with the laces? And ur a perfect neymar replacement for barcelona ☺

[@7mlc]

Jashan Lakhiani Haha I wish mate! The laces is fine, but usually angling your foot keeps better control.

[@messexyy]

Thanks for the tip mate 👍

[@sayanmuhammed7776]

B

[@aliakbarhussain145]

Excellent cardio 7mlc u taught me a new lesson Thanks

[@Librville]

Still the best, and still the best teacher/coach!

[@kashyapmavani1450]

You should play in premiere league

[@ankitachadha9700]

Ur new club??

[@7mlc]

Aryan Chadha I'll be sharing all about that soon mate 👍👍

[@FBI-mz3yt]

Aryan Chadha Real Madrid

[@ascend4572]

Aryan Chadha somewhere in the prem🙌

[@motivational.ai_hindi]

Ha

[@mrxaviegaming9203]

Video was very helpful

[@michaborski7383]

Love it !!

[@mherrera1162]

Any other defenders here

[@mfawls9624]

Yep. We have to learn to manipulate the strikers like they manipulate the ball. Remember, they are the gazelle and we are the cheetah. Lol ☺️

[@1kEXOTIX]

Yup

[@baelshabazz7836]

2019 anyone .... do not make his life easy hhhh

[@shameelabid8371]

2020😈

[@seanokeefe3666]

You can be a great player but not a great coach. This video showed you have the skills and the ability to communicate effectively also. Well done.

[@jacobgurung1377]

Thank you soo much mate very helpful 🤴

[@johnx17]

Looks like a lean coutinho

[@7mlc]

Haha XD

[@raunnnak]

True

[@franciscogandarilla5630]

Who else chokes on 1v1 cause as a Foward/Left Wing/Center Mid people get mad and expect you to score.

[@drthunda]

Great video, thanks for making this. Easy to understand and great tips!

[@7mlc]

+drthunda Always Happy to help mate!

[@BornAgainFitness]

Top shelf video/content as usual. 👌🔥 Cheers!

[@7mlc]

Really appreciate it, thank you!

[@saadr9808]

I am so frustrated I didn't make it to my team and people far worse than me made it 😩😩😩😩😩

[@7mlc]

These things happen in football. It's all about how you respond positively to the situation 👍

[@kawichawang]

The same thing here bro, i have speed and strength ans skills but what i isually didn't used while holding the ball is," Stretching our hands to protect the ball" and can't give a fabulous shoot from left leg.

[@sprinklesobourbon4029]

Excuses if they're worse than you you would have made it and they wouldn't have made it.

[@kadedeanmchale7574]

Same with me I was up against another trialist did terrible on the drills but rang rings round him and his teammates for the game scored a few goals just I never was a team player which I rarely passed and was quiet as a mouse when my teammates had the ball I usually put my hand up when wanting the ball just I never shouted for it I always tracked back for my team and the trialist all he did was pass the ball n shouted for it n he got in and I was let go really pissed me off that coach says I lack game awareness and I’ve never really had game experience either but I was always good at skill and being able to outrun players with the ball thought it was what coaches are looking for players to play in the wing position, to get by defenders and score goals and when other team has possession you track back and man mark n stay on him till your team wins the ball and make a run for the counter attack.

[@kunzangsherpa7614]

Real useful and thanks for the video. ...

[@faisalsidiqi3248]

Most helpful video I’ve seen on 1v1 so far tbh

[@7mlc]

Happy to help!

[@user-ow3fr3sv6s]

Thanks for these great tips Michael. I'll definitely use them tomorrow.

[@7mlc]

Happy J7 My pleasure mate, good luck for tomorrow!

[@shadinerutherford2463]

Michael your the best with tutorials 😩😩

[@jussp9655]

Thank you so much my guy you have helped me so much

[@anaghsanil2041]

Great video Michael. Thanks for all these valuable tips. I'm certain this will improve my dribbling skills

[@7mlc]

Anagh Sanil My pleasure Anagh 👍

[@anaghsanil2041]

7mlc Si glad you replied :)

[@anaghsanil2041]

*so

[@lalro28]

Always helpful ....great tutorial...i hope there's more tutorial to come😁👍👍👍

[@7mlc]

Roland Ralte Plenty more to come mate, glad you're enjoying them!

[@shortfc2400]

Thx for the help !

[@7mlc]

My pleasure!

[@ash4237]

Just came across your channel and have subscribed. Honestly man you're the best, all over youtube you find tutorials on skill moves one can never perform in the game, but you have kept it simple and effective just like Messi. Just a personal opinion that it would help a lot if you could have shown the moves in the last practiced against the defender and pole in slow motion.

[@7mlc]

Thanks for the feedback Arshad, I appreciate it 👍

[@sameershareef123]

Awesome! I never really thought of stuff.....thanks man!

[@7mlc]

Happy I could help mate!

[@oleholstarnet]

Nice video. I learned a lot!👍