The Cruyff Turn
in Soccer Football. 
4th September 2011

Closing an opponent down is as much about team work as it is the individual. Closing down an opponent to deny them space and time on the ball and forcing them into an error is an important part of the phase of play, however if that player has an easy out ball, the closing down will be worthless. 

The early 1970s was the golden era of football, a time when players oozed charisma, skill and natural ability and who played to entertain as much as for the win. The 70s was a decade of gifted footballers and teams who performed on the pitch with an extravagant swagger, with the likes of Manchester City, Leeds United and the Kings of the Kings road, Chelsea, strutting their stuff at home and abroad.  

At home players like Lorimer, Gray, Hudon and Osgood were the stars of the day, and away from these shores Pele, Beckenbauer and Johan Cruyff were famous the world over.  

Johan Cruyff stood out in the real era of fantasy football with an unbelievable quality and grace on the ball, and he gave his name to an everlasting football skill.   Born from a football world where total was the mantra of the Dutch national team, Cruyff was the captain and inspiration for his nation, with a wonderful vision and amazing skills.  

One of the many skills that Cruyff performed, as well as scoring fantastic and simple goals, was “the Cruyff turn”. The television archives show the world Cruyff making his turn in the 1974 world cup, though he had developed the skill many years before.  

The Cruyff turn allows you to beat a player, sending him the wrong way, as well as providing space and time to get clear of your opponent.  

Simply put, facing goal, make a feign to shoot or cross the ball and instead drag the ball back behind your standing leg and turn in the opposite direction.

To perfect this technique you must spend many hours to get it right, much like Cruyff did, though when you have mastered it, you will be able to beat players with one of the simplest yet affective skills.

Further Reading:

• The FA's Youth Masterplan

• FA Small Sided Football Guide

• FA Coaching Badges