Step 7: Learn Turning and Changing Direction

Step 7 of 12

Learn Turning and Changing Direction

Learn to protect the ball and turn into space. Start slowly and increase speed only when movement is comfortable.

Safety first: Use a clear practice area, age-appropriate equipment, and adult supervision. Stop if anything hurts. Adapt activities to the child and local youth rules.

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Pullback turn

Age: adapt to the child · Level: beginner · Duration: about 5–10 minutes

Goal: Stop the ball with the sole and pull it back in the opposite direction.

Equipment and setup: Use a 5-yard lane with a cone at the end.

Pullback turn practice diagramAPPROACHTURNEXIT TO SPACE
Slow down, turn around the marker, then move into space

Practice steps

  1. Dribble toward the cone at walking pace.
  2. Place the sole lightly on the ball before the cone.
  3. Pull it back and accelerate into the open lane.

Coaching cue: ““Stop, pull, exit.””

Make it easier: Practice without a cone.

Try a challenge: Use either foot and turn both ways.

Fun game: Turn at each marker without touching it.

▶ Watch video demonstrations

Opens YouTube search results for this lesson. Choose a safe, age-appropriate demonstration with a coach or parent.

Inside and outside-foot turns

Age: adapt to the child · Level: beginner · Duration: about 5–10 minutes

Goal: Change direction with a controlled touch rather than a large swing.

Equipment and setup: Place a cone in the center of a clear 6-yard square.

Inside and outside-foot turns practice diagramAPPROACHTURNEXIT TO SPACE
Slow down, turn around the marker, then move into space

Practice steps

  1. Approach the cone slowly.
  2. Use the inside of the foot to turn one way.
  3. Repeat using the outside of the foot to turn the other way.

Coaching cue: ““Small touch around the cone.””

Make it easier: Walk and use only the stronger foot.

Try a challenge: Call a color to choose the turn at the last moment.

Fun game: Coach calls “inside” or “outside”; player turns and exits safely.

▶ Watch video demonstrations

Opens YouTube search results for this lesson. Choose a safe, age-appropriate demonstration with a coach or parent.

Turn away from a defender

Age: adapt to the child · Level: beginner · Duration: about 5–10 minutes

Goal: Use body position to keep the ball on the safe side while turning into space.

Equipment and setup: Partner acts as a passive shadow in a 5-by-5-yard area.

Turn away from a defender practice diagramAPPROACHTURNEXIT TO SPACE
Slow down, turn around the marker, then move into space

Practice steps

  1. Dribble slowly while the partner follows at arm’s length.
  2. Place the body between the partner and ball without contact.
  3. Turn toward an open gate and accelerate only after space is clear.

Coaching cue: ““Shield with your body; no pushing.””

Make it easier: Partner stays still.

Try a challenge: Partner applies light, safe pressure without tackling.

Fun game: Find a new open gate after each turn.

▶ Watch video demonstrations

Opens YouTube search results for this lesson. Choose a safe, age-appropriate demonstration with a coach or parent.