I have quite big repertoar of (fancy) tricks but most of them arenn`t important to pass the defender. So what do you use (for practical meanings not showing off)?

I always use stepovers first, then from this there are still many options. When I finish one or two SOvers I usually do a shoulder dip to the right/left and go into the opposite direction. Also I have "mastered" the nutemg move (I can do it 8/10 tires) and the easiest dribble of all: I just kick the ball a little to the right from the defender and then just sprint forward to collect it. These are all easy moves, not complicated and they work. Sometimes I like to do Elastico (see my sig) or the "Rainbow" move. Also I like to roll the ball to the left and then to the right.

A bib, or failing that, a paper tissue ;)

Yeah, ok, I'm leaving...

Hehehe, Xen, you should have seen that one conming...

I was thinking the same thing :D

I play in goal but on the rare occasion im allowed outfield my favourite trick is the one where you flick the ball over uver both ur and the defenders head then run onto it. (cant remember wot its called but i think u know what i mean)

I was about to ask Xen if we need to tell him how to wipe, now...but then I realized it was a soccer thing...darnit....

Gah, you beat me to it.

Though I suppose it's just as well, though, as that would have to imply that I would ever ever dribble.

I was thinking the same thing :D </font>[/QUOTE]If it wasn't already said, I was going to say it.

::Ahem:: On topic now... I have one basic theory. Freeze the defender, use your speed, change direction if the defender is on to you.

You've got absolutely the right idea, Xen. Use your speed. You can always go faster forward than the guy can go backwards, even if you have the ball. I use the stepover, headfake and tap ahead, then burn past on the outside. If it looks like he's got that covered, cutting back to the inside or tapping the ball through the defender's legs is an option. Not 100% effective, though.

However, I prefer the efficient give-and-go over the one-on-one. If you can keep the defender from getting within reach of the ball, your chances of success are better.

Its kind of like drinking water before the novocaine has worn off then, hi?

Using speed to get past players is nice to have when you are still young and full of energy. But as you grew older things start to slow down and you'll get tired easily. not to mention the risk of getting a hamstring injury or a torn ligament is greater. gee..I feel old.

At my * cough * age I prefer to pass the ball around and let the youngsters do their dribbling things. ;)