Master the Scissors: A Step-by-Step Guide to This Iconic Soccer Move

The scissors, also known as the stepover, is a fundamental yet mesmerizing soccer move that every aspiring footballer should aim to master. It’s not just about looking flashy; the scissors is a powerful tool for deceiving opponents, creating space, and setting up scoring opportunities. This article will provide a comprehensive, step-by-step guide on how to execute the scissors effectively, breaking down the technique, common mistakes, and tips for improvement. We’ll cover everything from the basic mechanics to advanced variations, ensuring you’re ready to incorporate this move into your game. So, lace up your boots and get ready to add some flair to your repertoire!

Understanding the Purpose of the Scissors

Before diving into the mechanics, it’s crucial to understand why the scissors is so valuable. The core purpose of the move is to create confusion and uncertainty in the mind of the defender. By feigning a movement in one direction, you can entice the defender to shift their weight or commit to a tackle, leaving them vulnerable to your real intended movement. This allows you to:

• Beat a defender: By unbalancing the defender, you create an opening to dribble past them.
• Create space: The move can open up space for you to accelerate forward, pass, or shoot.
• Change direction: The scissors can be a quick way to change your direction of travel without losing control of the ball.
• Add unpredictability: Regularly using the scissors makes it harder for defenders to anticipate your next move.

The Basic Scissors: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s break down the fundamental version of the scissors into easy-to-follow steps. It’s important to practice each stage slowly and deliberately before combining them at speed.

Step 1: Approaching the Defender

Begin by dribbling the ball towards the defender at a comfortable, controlled pace. Keep the ball close to your feet, ideally within a foot of your dominant foot. Your body should be slightly bent at the knees, ready to change direction. This approach is crucial, as a defender might anticipate your move differently based on how you approach them. Imagine you’re running towards a cone which acts as an invisible defender.

Step 2: The First Step Over

This is the critical part. As you approach the imaginary defender, take a step with your dominant foot *around* the ball, not over it. Imagine you’re making a semi-circle around the front of the ball. Your foot should pass over the front of the ball moving from the outside towards the inside. Your knee should bend slightly during this step. It should look as if you are going to take the ball with your dominant foot on the inside of the ball. For example, if you dribble with your right foot, you step around the ball with your right foot, moving from right to left over the ball’s front. It is important that you do not touch the ball at this moment. Your foot should be about an inch or two away from the ball’s surface.

Key points for the first step:

• Foot Placement: Don’t touch the ball. Pass your foot close by the front of the ball.
• Body Movement: Lean your body slightly in the direction of your step over. This adds to the illusion that you’re going that way.
• Knee Bend: A slight bend at your knee helps with balance and allows for a quicker movement.
• Pace: Maintain the pace of your dribble, don’t slow down or speed up dramatically at this stage.

Step 3: The Second Step Over

Immediately after your dominant foot has passed over the front of the ball, take a step with your non-dominant foot *around* the ball, this time going from the inside out in front of the ball. Again, the foot does not make contact with the ball. If your right foot stepped over first, the second step will be from the left. The non-dominant foot is now outside of the ball. It should feel like a fluid continuation of the first step.

Key points for the second step:

• Foot Placement: Just as with your dominant foot, ensure no contact with the ball.
• Fluid Motion: The second step should seamlessly follow the first, creating a smooth, continuous movement.
• Body Shift: Shift your body weight slightly in the direction your non-dominant foot moved towards, further adding to the deception.
• Quick transition: Transition quickly from the first step to the second.

Step 4: Taking the Ball Away

Finally, as your non-dominant foot finishes the second step over, you need to take the ball away in the direction opposite of the step overs. Use the outside of your dominant foot to push the ball forward in your desired direction. For example, If you dribble with your right foot, and you stepped over with your right then left foot, the right foot will be on the outside of the ball and will push the ball to the left away from the defender. You are now free to continue dribbling in that direction. Try to make contact with the ball on its front side so you can gain maximum control. The touch must be firm enough to get the ball moving but soft enough to keep it under control.

Key points for taking the ball away:

• Outside Foot Touch: Use the outside of your dominant foot for a clean and controlled push.
• Forward Motion: Push the ball forward, gaining an advantage over the defender.
• Accelerate: Immediately after touching the ball, accelerate into the open space you have created.
• Keep the ball close: Don’t push the ball too far ahead of you. Keep it close enough that you can retain control.

Putting it all Together: The Complete Scissors

Now that you have mastered each individual step, practice putting them all together smoothly. Dribble, step over with one foot, immediately step over with the other, and push the ball away with the outside of your dominant foot. Remember that timing and fluidity are key to executing the move effectively.

Practice the move slowly at first, focusing on the technique rather than speed. Once you’re comfortable with the individual steps, gradually increase your speed until you can perform the scissors with confidence.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Learning the scissors can be tricky, and there are some common mistakes that beginners tend to make. Being aware of these errors can help you avoid them.

1. Touching the ball during the step overs: This is the most frequent mistake. Ensure that your feet pass close to but do not touch the ball during the stepping motion.
2. Stepping too far from the ball: Stepping too far from the ball will make the move ineffective and will not fool the defender. Your feet should pass very close to the ball.
3. Stepping over the ball: Instead of stepping around the ball, some players will accidentally step *over* it, potentially losing control of the ball and injuring themselves. Step *around* the front of the ball.
4. Moving too slowly: Speed is key to deceiving the defender. Perform the stepovers quickly and fluidly to create the necessary space.
5. Not shifting body weight: Failing to shift your body weight will make the move look unnatural and predictable. Lean slightly in the direction of each step over.
6. Taking the ball away clumsily: If you don’t take the ball away correctly, you won’t gain any advantage. Make sure you use the outside of your dominant foot to push the ball forward.
7. Too much movement: The move doesn’t require big swinging movements. Keep the steps close and controlled.
8. Hesitation: Committing to the move is vital. If you hesitate, you lose the element of surprise, giving the defender an opportunity to react.

Tips for Effective Practice

Mastering the scissors takes time and consistent effort. Here are some tips to make your practice sessions more productive:

• Practice in isolation: Start by practicing the move without any defenders. Focus on perfecting your technique before adding pressure. Use cones, markers or even an imaginary defender as a focal point.
• Use video analysis: Record yourself performing the scissors and review your technique. This will help you identify areas for improvement.
• Practice with both feet: Being able to perform the scissors with both feet makes you a much more unpredictable player. Start with your dominant foot, then gradually work on mastering it with your non-dominant foot.
• Vary your speed: Practice the move at different speeds to become more versatile. You need to be able to perform the scissors at slow, medium, and high speeds.
• Practice while moving: Don’t just practice standing still. Dribble at various speeds and introduce the scissor move while you’re on the move.
• Use different surfaces: Practicing on different surfaces will improve your ball control. Practice on grass, turf, or even indoor surfaces.
• Incorporate in drills: Integrate the scissors into your dribbling and agility drills. This will help you use it effectively during match situations.
• Be patient: Learning new skills takes time and effort. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t master the scissors right away. Be patient, persistent, and practice regularly.
• Visualize: Imagine yourself successfully completing the scissors. This will help build confidence and improve your performance on the field.
• Set realistic goals: Don’t try to be a master overnight. Set small achievable goals each practice session, and track your progress.

Advanced Variations of the Scissors

Once you’ve mastered the basic scissors, you can explore some advanced variations to make your game even more dynamic:

• The Double Scissors: Instead of a single step over with each foot, perform two step overs with each foot before taking the ball away. This can be an incredibly effective way to throw off a defender.
• The Reverse Scissors: After the first step over, instead of taking the ball away, perform another step over in the opposite direction, creating a zig-zag motion. This move is excellent for sudden changes of direction.
• The Scissors with a Drag Back: Instead of pushing the ball forward, drag the ball backwards immediately after completing the scissors. This variation is useful for creating space when you’re under pressure.
• The Scissors with a Fake Shot: Use the scissors as a setup for a fake shot, making it harder for the defender to anticipate your true intention.

Integrating the Scissors into Your Game

The scissors is most effective when used strategically. Here are some situations where you can use it to your advantage:

• Against a defender one-on-one: Use the scissors to create space when facing a defender head-on.
• In tight spaces: The scissors can help you navigate through congested areas on the field.
• To change the point of attack: Use the move to quickly switch directions and break through a defensive line.
• When under pressure: The scissors can help you create space when a defender is close to you.
• During a counter-attack: Use the move to gain an advantage over defenders when breaking quickly on the counter.
• In the penalty area: A well-executed scissor move in the penalty area can open a shooting opportunity.

Conclusion

The scissors is a powerful and versatile move that can elevate your game significantly. By understanding the technique, avoiding common mistakes, and practicing consistently, you can master this iconic soccer skill. Remember that consistency is key. Put in the time and effort, and you’ll soon be confidently weaving your way past defenders, creating space, and scoring goals with your newly perfected scissors move. Don’t be afraid to experiment with variations and incorporate them into your own unique style of play. Now, go out there and practice – the field awaits your artistry!