How to master the cut

One of the most important skills in soccer is learning how to cut the ball while dribbling. A good cut lets you change direction quickly, evade defenders, and keep control of the ball at speed. In our recent practice, we focused on mastering this move through a fun and competitive drill. Here's how it works and how you can do it too.

What Is a Cut in Soccer?

A "cut" is a quick change of direction while dribbling, usually done by planting your foot and using the inside or outside of your other foot to sharply turn the ball. It's a great move to:

Lose a defender

Exploit space quickly

Maintain momentum while turning

The Drill: Cut & Race!

This drill is all about speed, control, and sharp changes in direction. Here's how we set it up:

Setup:

Place a series of cones in a line, about 5–10 yards apart.

Players start at a line behind the first cone.

This is a race, so pair up or group players of similar speed.

How It Works:

On “Go!”, players dribble full speed toward the first cone.

When they reach it, they perform a quick cut, turning the ball sharply and sprinting back to the start line.

Without stopping, they now go to the next cone in the sequence, cut the ball again, and return.

This continues until they've raced to each cone and back.

First one to complete the full sequence wins!

Coaching Points:

Plant your non-dribbling foot firmly before cutting to stay balanced and avoid slipping.

Keep your eyes up—don’t stare at the ball. You need to see space and your competition.

Stay low and keep your knees bent for quicker direction changes.

Control over speed—it's better to slow slightly and execute a sharp cut than to go too fast and lose the ball.

Why This Drill Works

This drill not only builds dribbling skills, but it adds pressure with the race component. Players have to stay composed while moving fast and reacting to each turn. It also improves agility, ball control, and decision-making—all essential for real-game situations.

Want to Get Better?

Try this drill 2–3 times a week with teammates or even solo. Add variations like:

Using only your weak foot

Adding defenders

Timing each run to beat your personal best

Cutting the ball is a small move that makes a big difference. Master it, and you’ll become a much more unpredictable and effective player on the field. Ready, set—cut and go!