A stepover is a kind of motion in football that is performed by an attacking player. This is done by moving one foot over the ball without touching it. The goal of such a motion is to create confusion among the defenders, allowing them to think that the attacking player who is in possession of the ball is moving the ball in a specified direction when in reality, he or she is going in a different direction.
The stepover, also known as scissors, is considered a dummy move. This was invented by Perdo Calomino at the beginning of the 1900s. Calomino is a striker of the Argentina team.
Furthermore, it was Law Adam, a Dutch player who was known to be the first one in Europe who used the stepover. This was during the late 1920s. However, the one who popularized the move was Ronaldo Luis Nazario de Lima of Brazil.
Stepover Steps
The classic move that is used to fool defending players comes with variations and several steps. In order to master this move, a player must learn the basic steps of an inside stepover and an outside stepover.When it comes to an inside stepover, a player must first approach the ball. While doing so, he or she must make it look like the ball is going to be passed using the side of the foot. After this, the foot must move around the ball instead of making contact. Then, this same foot will dribble the ball in the opposite direction.
On the other hand, when it comes to an outside step over, the steps that need to be undertaken come with a slight variation. The first and second steps are done in the same way as that of an inside stepover. What makes it different is that the third step would involve using the opposite foot instead of the same foot in dribbling the ball in the opposite direction.
Important Tips
In performing a stepover, it is important for players to remember important tips that would help them do it effectively and fool their opponents the way they want to.One of these tips includes angling the body towards the opposite direction of where the ball is intended to go. Body language can prove very helpful in fooling a defensive player.
Another tip is to remember to touch the ball using the outside of the foot immediately after doing the stepover. It is also great to change the speed and pace right after touching the ball. This would create more confusion for the defenders, allowing the one doing the stepover to effectively execute his or her plans.