How to Dribble Like Cristiano Ronaldo

Last Updated: March 12, 2023

Cristiano Ronaldo is considered one of the best football/soccer players of our generation and has won several major titles, including five UEFA Champions Leagues and a UEFA European Championship. He's a great dribbler, and with some practice and technique you too can be on your way to dribbling like the pros.

Part 1

Part 1 of 4:

Improving Your Speed

1
Increase your speed. To dribble like Cristiano Ronaldo, you need to be very fast. To improve on your speed, do some sprinting every day. More importantly, do stretches before a game or a run. You need stamina, so go for a jog around a field.
2
Run through speed ladders and cones, along with sprints to develop speed and agility.^{[1]
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3
Learn how to dribble. Before you get into flicks feints and step overs, train until you can dribble very fast between cones, keeping the ball under tight control and close to you all the time.^{[2]
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Research source} Perfect the basics before you try to play like Ronaldo.

Part 2

Part 2 of 4:

Learning Special Moves

1
Learn how to do the step over/scissors move. This is done by swinging your foot around the ball and doing a body feint at the same time to send the defenders the wrong way.^{[3]
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2
Learn how to do the Ronaldo chop. This is done by jumping with one foot and in the same time using the inside of your other foot to go the other way. Jumping with the left foot and using the inside of the right foot to go the other way is preferred.
3
Be able to cross the ball in the box. Use your speed and tricks to beat the full-back and whip the ball into the box!

Part 3

Part 3 of 4:

Increasing Your Control

1
Develop good close control. When you dribble, don't hit the ball 5 meters away from you because you will get tackled and teammates might even think it's a pass. Keep the ball close to you, like if it was glued to your feet! Dribbling around the house will help the moves become second nature.^{[4]
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Part 4

Part 4 of 4:

Beating A Defender

1
Don't get too close to the defender. If you're too close, the defender can easily swipe the ball away from you.^{[5]
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Research source} Try to get the ball between the legs of the defender.
2
Don't do a move too far away from a defender. If you're too far away, the defender will not get off-balanced and can still approach you.
3
Perform moves such as the "Ronaldo Chop" or "Step-Overs" at speed. Do them approximately 3 feet away from a defender.

How Do You Learn How To Dribble?

Community Q&A

Question

How did Ronaldo learn to play football?

Community Answer

Ronaldo has done every one of his moves at least thousands of times. To make a move, get into your natural way of doing things. Do it 5000 times. If you do it five times, maybe 10 times, you might think that you have mastered it. But the reality is different. Practice until you can do it with great ease.
Question

Is it better to use tricks or simple touches while dribbling?

Community Answer

Tricks are a good way to taunt and get past your opponent. However, Don't get too carried away as the defenders and goalies could easily tackle to you. Only do tricks if you know you can easily do them without losing control.
Question

How can I get faster at running with the ball?

Community Answer

Start slowly from slow sprinting exercises. Master your ball control. Maintain a good diet to keep your reflexes in good shape. Practice!