Tight Space Magic (Levels 20-21):
The lift: Stick your toe underneath the ball and lift it over the defender’s foot when you are in a tight spot on the flank and the defender believes you have nowhere to go. When you are pinned against the sideline, this is a very clever strategy to get out.
The Double Cut: Make a tiny cut straight to the side with the outside of your foot while you are nudging at a defender. Use the same foot to cut the ball back the other direction when the defender shifts their weight to stop you. The defender is left lunging at nothing after two swift cutbacks in short succession.
Turns and Scoops (Levels 22-23):
The Scoop Turn: Open up your body and begin pressing the ball as though you were about to pass it while you are dribbling at a defender on the wing. However, instead of letting go, push the ball down the wing by dragging it in a curved, scooping motion. This allows you to change direction while using your body to guard the ball.
The Inside-Outside Stepover: If a defender is pursuing you when you are running down the wing, move across your body and around the front of the ball to give them time to catch up. Then, as the ball rolls ahead, step around it with that foot and push it down the line with the other. After deceiving the defense into believing you are slowing down, you suddenly accelerate.
Dances and Feints (Levels 24-25):
The Shaky Dance: Shake your foot behind the ball and feint as though you are going in different directions while you are facing a defender, and the ball remains motionless. Basically, just dance. Then, when the defender is least expecting it, accelerate past them. This is all about rapid explosion, rhythm, and surprise.
The Cutback: Start by rolling the ball away from the defender using the underside of your foot when they are running beside you. Next, cut the ball back behind your leg and against the defender’s momentum using the inside of your other foot. When a defender has overcommitted to pursuing you, this move is ideal.
Rabona and Rolls (Levels 26-28):
The Fake Rabona: Run up like you’re about to cross with a rabona as the ball is rolling, looping your kicking leg behind your standing leg. To stop the ball, plant one foot directly next to it, place the other foot behind your leg, and utilize the top of that foot. You use the motion to trick the defender rather than really kicking it.
The Elastic Roll: Use the underside of your foot to roll the ball to the side when you are up against a winged defender. Next, smash the ball past the defender using the inside of that same foot. It is a straightforward roll that is followed by a sudden shift in direction.
The Dragon Meg (Nutmeg): Use the inside of your foot to begin dragging the ball across your body while you are dribbling toward a defender on the wing. When they step to guard you, push the ball through their legs with the outside of the same foot. This is an embarrassing move that combines a well-timed nutmeg with a drag.
Advanced Nutmegs (Levels 29-33):
The Roll Croqueta Meg: Roll the ball across your body using the underside of your foot when facing a defender. Then, when the defender tries to stop you, use your other foot to drive the ball through their legs. The roll draws the defender in, and the nutmeg capitalizes on the opening they create.
The Roll Flick Up: Start rolling the ball back when you are up against a winged defender to entice them to come closer. Next, drag the ball back toward your body using the underside of your foot. Lastly, elevate the ball over the defender’s extended leg by flicking it up in the air and down the line with your toe.
The Elastico (Flip Flap): Use the outside of your foot to begin pressing the ball in one direction when you are up against a defender. After that, quickly wrap your foot around the ball and push it in the opposite direction with your inside foot. This is one of the most exquisite football maneuvers, made famous by Rivaldo and Ronaldinho.
The Temptation Meg: Use the underside of your foot to gently start dragging the ball back while you are facing a defender in the corner. This will encourage the defender to approach you to close that area. Then pass the ball through the defender’s legs as they move in. The ball is used as bait.
The Scoop Meg: Use the inside of your foot to begin pressing the ball as though you were about to pass it to a teammate when you are up against a defender. Then, slide the ball past the defender’s legs in a curled, scooping motion if they reach out to prevent the throw. You transform a fleeting gesture into a nutmeg.
Extreme Elásticos (Levels 34-37):
The Outside Elastico: When facing a defender, start pushing the ball in their direction with the outside of your heel. Then quickly flick the ball past the defender in the opposite direction using the outside of your toe. The outside of the foot is used almost exclusively in this reverse elastico.
The Elastico Meg: When a defender is on the flank, start pressing the ball with the top of your foot as if you were about to cut past them. Next, push the ball past the defender’s legs with the inside of your foot. A nutmeg is disguised as a cutting technique.
The Forward Elastico: Use the outside of your foot to begin pushing the ball to the side when a defender is very near to you. However, wrap your foot around the ball and push it past the defender before it can escape you. You move forward through the gap rather than sideways.
The Double Elastico: Bring your foot around the ball while dragging it across your body with the inside of your foot. Next, bring your foot around the ball once again by taking a touch in the other direction with the outside of that same foot. Finally, use the inside of your foot to push the ball past the defender. Two elasticos in one sequence.
The Legends (Levels 38-40)
The Rainbow: Grab the ball between your toe and heel (on both feet) and lift it upward when a defender is near you. Next, run around the defender by flicking the ball over their head with your heel. Neymar and other showmen have come to love this ostentatious, embarrassing gesture.
The Ronaldo Phenomeno (Ronaldo Fenômeno): named for the original Ronaldo from Brazil. Pull the ball back toward your other foot using the underside of your foot when you are up against a defender on the wing. Next, strike the ball in front of you with the inside of that foot. Lastly, push the ball beyond the defender with your initial foot. The triple-touch technique produces the greatest amount of separation.
The Hocus Pocus: Put one foot in front of the ball when you are up against a defender. Next, press the ball behind your leg with the inside of your other foot. Lastly, push the ball past the defender and your standing leg with the top of the same foot. This is the hardest talent on the list, requiring amazing timing and coordination. When done properly, it appears magical.
Summary: It takes endless hours of effort, perseverance, and time to master these 40 skills. Work your way up to the elite maneuvers, such as the Hocus Pocus and the Elastico, by starting with the basics, such as simple cuts and speed changes. Always keep in mind that the most effective skill is the one that works at the time. You will quickly be the player that defenders fear the most if you put in a lot of training and show courage in one-on-one situations.
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