Cruyff Turn
Fake a pass or shot before pulling the ball behind your standing leg and turning away. One of the most elegant moves in soccer — still works at every level when the fake is genuine.
Get scored on this drill — free
Upload a phone video. The LevelUp AI returns a score, breakdown, and tips in minutes.
How to record this drill
Record 20–30 seconds showing 5–8 attempts. This is the scoring clip, not the full 15 minutes practice session.
3/4 angle, camera chest height (~4–5 ft off the ground), 8–10 yards back — the faking leg swing AND the ball being pulled behind the standing leg must both be visible in one frame.
Demo video coming soon
Deceive with a pass/shot fake then disappear in the opposite direction. The fake must be a genuine threat — a weak wind-up doesn't sell, and the Cruyff doesn't work.
One cone as defender or marker. Ball at feet. 5 yards of run-up.
- Approach as if about to pass or shoot — wind up your kicking leg convincingly
- Instead of following through, wrap the inside of your right foot around the ball and pull it behind your left (standing) leg
- Your left foot pivots 180° as the ball passes behind you
- Exit facing the OPPOSITE direction — ball stays tight, within one step
- The fake must be a genuine threat — sell the pass or shot
- Mirror: wrap with left foot, pivot on right foot
- Kicking leg swings through convincingly — looks exactly like a real pass or shot
- Ball pulled cleanly behind the standing leg with the inside of the kicking foot
- Standing leg rotates fully — exit faces a completely new direction
- Ball stays within one step throughout the turn
- Weak pass/shot fake — if the defender wouldn't believe it, it's not selling
- Ball slides to the side instead of going behind the standing leg
- Standing leg doesn't pivot — must rotate 180° to face the new direction
- Exit too slow — the surprise advantage disappears in a second
Foundation
Stationary: practice the pull-behind motion slowly, both feet.
Form
Slow approach — fake and turn against a cone.
Tempo
Game pace, dominant foot.
Pressure
Weak foot.
Match Rhythm
Passive defender — execute on their commitment to block the fake.
Mastery
Live 1v1 near a sideline or byline.
Technique
The move is executed with the correct mechanics for this specific drill (foot path, contact point, timing). See per-move AI instructions for exactly what to look for.
Deception
Shoulder/body fake sells the move — an imagined defender would realistically commit. Weight transfer is visible and deliberate. The fake precedes the exit.
Ball Control
Ball stays within playing distance (1–2 yards max) throughout the move. Exit touch is controlled. No heavy touch that gives possession away.
Explosive Exit
Acceleration in the first 3 steps after the move. Ball pushed into open space (not dead underfoot). Player body leans forward into the burst.
Balance & Control
Low centre of gravity during the move. Stable body position — no stumble or lurch. Player is under control at the point of exit.
Try this drill, get an AI score in minutes
7-day free trial. Upload a phone video and we'll grade you on the criteria above.
Get scored — free