By Soccer Training Pro Editorial TeamUpdated 2026-08-23

Soccer Juking Drills: Feints, Change of Pace and 1v1 Moves

In soccer, “juking” usually means using a feint or change of direction to unbalance a defender.

The move itself matters less than the sequence:

sell one direction → move the defender → take the ball into the new space → accelerate.

Drill 1: Body-feint gate

Set two gates about 4 yards apart.

Dribble toward the middle, sell a body movement toward one gate, push the ball through the other and accelerate for 5–8 yards.

Work both directions.

Without a ball, attacker and defender face each other in a small channel. The attacker tries to cross an end line while the defender mirrors.

After several repetitions, add a ball.

This teaches players to read defender balance rather than perform a move at a cone.

Place two mini goals or cone gates on the defender's end line.

The attacker can score in either.

Because the defender must protect two targets, the attacker can use a feint to create a real reaction.

Dribble at moderate speed, briefly slow or stop the ball, then explode away.

Many successful 1v1 actions are changes of speed rather than complicated skill moves.

Approach a cone or passive defender. Touch slightly inside with the big-toe area, then push outside with the same foot and accelerate.

Keep the ball close enough that the defender cannot simply take the first touch.

Practice one scissors without a ball, then with the ball, then against a defender.

The upper body and planted foot must sell the false direction.

Play 2v2 to two mini goals. When a team wins the ball, it attacks immediately.

Now a successful juke must happen in context: perhaps to beat the first defender, create a passing lane or escape pressure.

Cones do not react.

Use cones to learn coordination, but progress quickly to passive and active defenders.

Finish with a small-sided game so players choose when a move is actually useful.