The Cristiano Ronaldo step-over skill is one of the reasons he became the most expensive player in soccer history after making a US$131 move from Manchester United to Real Madrid in July 2009.
It is part of a vast repertoire of tricks at his disposal. The Portuguese international uses the step over as a way to take the ball around opponents without simply outrunning them. It is a clever way to beat an opponent while keeping the ball closely controlled.
There are many players who perform the step over, but few as effectively as Ronaldo. We show you how to do it, with the arrow indicating which direction the ball should be going.
Allow the Ball to Roll Between Your Legs
Stewart Coggin
After you have practiced this a few times with both feet, again roll over the ball in front of you. But this time move your other leg forward, allowing the ball to go underneath this leg.
You will effectively be moving sideways, allowing the ball to roll between your legs, touching it just once in the entire move. Practice using both feet.
Step Over the Ball When You Reach the Opponent
Stewart Coggin
Once you get within a couple of yards, employ the Ronaldo step-over skill, rolling over the ball and allowing it to go between your legs.
Be careful not to take the ball too far wide. The idea is to beat the opponent while maintaining as straight a path as possible.
