All signature skill moves require the player to be in possession of the ball and aiming to retain the ball. This likely means, that the player will be running with the ball either from a standing start or on the move, this relating directly to the two different running with the ball techniques – dribbling and carrying (see explanations in Fundamental Rs).
Skill moves are used in 1v1 or 1v2 duals to help players to beat a defender in order too – retain the ball, create an opportunity to release or create an opportunity to run with the ball. When using a skill move, a player is usually required to over-exaggerate an action which can make the defender believe they are going to perform that action, in order to execute the desired skill, move. Within each of the 12 skill moves, the AM Code provides a description of how the skill can be performed effectively, but most important the key technical coaching points, broken down into the small details that play a huge part in the skill performance.
The Xavi turn is very similar to the Cruyff Turn in terms of it is used commonly in a 1v1 to turn away from pressure but is most often used with safe side and as a method of protecting the ball.
This skill differs and has more complexity because it uses the outside of the foot to cut the ball, this keeping the ball on the safe side away from the opponent.
The Ronaldo Step Over is a skill known globally and used frequently in football, due to its simplicity but effectiveness in 1v1 attacking moments.
Whilst the skill is on show regular in professional matches, the performing of the skill takes time and practice, to ensure the skill is performed effectively – and to perform the skill effectively, you have to fool the defender into believing you are going in one direction, in order to go in the other (this linking back to thinking football and the need for football intelligence).
When the step over skill is broken down, the AM Code determines 5 key parts that are required just to beat the defender, which then sets up an opportunity to run with the ball or release the ball.
The Gerrard Fake Pass skill move is often performed under intense pressure, but in this situation, this skill is not as much of an attacking skill, but more of a skill to allow the player to change direction, create more space and evade pressure of an opposition defender.
The common theme is that this skill requires an over-exaggeration of a movement in order to fool the opposing player into believing this action will take place. Upon evading the defender, it is highly likely that the player with the ball will have to change the foot they were dribbling with, in order to keep the ball on the safe side of the opposition player.
The Zidane 360 is a skill that takes the player diagonally forward and is commonly used by players to attack a space behind the opponent. This skill uses both feet to perform the skill, whilst twisting the body in a 360 motion, meaning that the player travels in forward.
The performance of this skill is one of the more complex skills within the AM Code based on the timing, balance & technique required to execute the skill effectively.
The Nakamura fake shot is an attacking skill used when in a 1v1 or 1v2 situation. The aim of this skill is to wrong-foot a defender and make them believe you are shooting, before chopping onto the other foot to release a shot.
This skill is very effective in high pressure situations when defenders are giving maximum effort to stop a goal. By over-exaggerating the skill move, the player can trick the defender into blocking the ‘fake shot’, before moving the ball to the other foot and shooting.
Liverpool’s Mo Salah executes this skill perfectly a lot, his execution of the skill is so good that it is effective over and over again.
The Nani chop is an attacking 1v1 skill move that is both exciting and explosive when performed successfully. In a 1v1 duel, when the player is running with the ball, they will use the inside of their foot to chop the ball diagonally behind their opposite leg. A successful Nani chop skill will take the player diagonally past the defender.
The need for an explosive moment is to support the fast change of direction, a change of speed and to accelerate away from the defender.
The Larsson Turn is performed against pressure, with a defender between you and the opposition goal, in a 1v1 situation. As the defender is applying pressure, the player should look to use opposite movement as they receive the ball, before turning with the ball, moving in the opposite direction of the initial movement.
The technique and timing of this skill should be built from free of pressure, to gain understanding of movements and technique, before practicing against passive pressure then full pressure.
The Pele no.7 is a skill used in tight areas to navigate away from pressure. Pressure is usually coming from in front or to the side, with the no.7 skill taking you away from pressure.
This skill can be done in one movement if the player is capable, but for young players, two touches is more achievable and helps to develop technique, understanding of timing & how to perform effectively in a 1v1.
