Turning Drills for Football

Being able to turn cleanly under pressure unlocks a player's game. These turning drills build the key turns and the awareness to use them.

Why turning matters

A player who can receive and turn changes the direction of play and escapes pressure. These drills cover the main turns and — just as important — when to use them.

Drill 1: The half-turn

Receiving on the back foot and opening the body to face forward in one movement. The most useful turn in football. Coach checking the shoulder before receiving.

• Check your shoulder before the ball arrives.
• Open your body — receive side-on, not square.
• First touch into the direction you want to go.

Drill 2: Drag-back and Cruyff turn

Practise the drag-back (stopping and reversing) and the Cruyff turn (faking a pass then dragging the ball behind the standing leg). Great for escaping a tight spot.

Drill 3: Turning with a defender behind

Add a defender behind the player. Now the turn must be protected — shield, feel the defender, and turn away from pressure. This is turning as a game skill.

• Feel where the defender is before you turn.
• Protect the ball with your body.
• Turn away from pressure, into space.

Coaching points

Coach the decision as much as the technique — which way to turn depends on where the space and the defender are. Encourage players to scan before receiving.

See also our first touch drills — a good turn starts with a good touch.