Create hesitation. Attack space. Explode past defenders.
The scissors is an attacking skill move where the player circles their foot around the ball to create the illusion that they are going one direction before exploding the opposite way.
The purpose of the movement is not the foot circle itself.
The purpose is to make the defender hesitate.
That small hesitation creates the opening needed to attack.
Defenders do not react only to the ball.
They react to the attacker's entire body.
The scissors works because it combines:
• Foot movement
• Shoulder movement
• Change of direction
• Change of speed
A defender who cannot predict your next action loses their advantage.
The scissors is only dangerous when there is a believable threat. A fake with no purpose does nothing. Attackers must convince defenders that they are about to explode into space. The fake creates the reaction. The acceleration wins the duel.
Before performing scissors:
✓ Stay on your tippy toes
✓ Keep knees bent
✓ Stay light and balanced
✓ Keep your hips ready to explode
✓ Keep the ball close enough to attack
✓ Keep your eyes up
Elite dribblers are always ready to change direction.
Flat feet create slow reactions.
Step 1:
Approach the defender at a controlled speed.
Do not sprint directly at them.
You want enough control to react to their movement.
Step 2:
Move the ball slightly ahead of your body.
The ball should be close enough to control but far enough that you can attack after the fake.
Step 3:
Circle your foot around the outside of the ball.
Your foot movement should suggest you are preparing to push the ball in that direction.
Step 4:
Sell the fake with your entire body.
Drop your shoulder.
Move your hips.
Look toward the direction you want the defender to believe you are going.
Step 5:
Push the ball away using the outside or inside of your opposite foot.
This is the explosive part.
Step 6:
Accelerate immediately.
The first two steps after the scissors are what separate you from the defender.
Single Scissors
One foot circles around the ball before exploding away.
This is the foundation and should be mastered first.
Double Scissors
Two scissors movements are performed before leaving in the opposite direction.
This can be effective against patient defenders who are waiting for your first move.
Scissors Into Sprint
The goal is not to perform many tricks.
The goal is to create separation.
One clean scissors followed by acceleration is often more effective than several unnecessary movements.
A skill move is only successful when it creates an advantage. The defender does not care how difficult the move looks. They care about whether they can stop your next action.
Practice the movement without moving forward.
Focus on:
• Clean foot circles
• Balance
• Staying on your tippy toes
• Using both feet
Complete:
50 repetitions each foot.
Dribble toward a cone.
Perform the scissors before changing direction around the cone.
Complete:
30 repetitions each side.
Focus on:
• Timing the fake
• Exploding after the move
• Keeping the ball close
Have a defender stand between you and the goal.
Your objective:
Use scissors to create enough space to attack.
Success requires:
✓ Convincing fake
✓ Correct timing
✓ Explosive acceleration
✓ Controlled finish
Complete this training session:
✓ 100 scissors movements
✓ 50 left side exits
✓ 50 right side exits
✓ 20 cone attacks
✓ Beat a defender 10 times
Remember:
The scissors creates the reaction.
Your acceleration wins the duel.
❌ Doing The Move Too Slowly
A scissors that is performed slowly gives the defender time to recover.
The purpose of the move is to create hesitation.
After the fake, explode.
❌ Only Moving The Foot
A defender does not react to your foot.
They react to your entire body.
Use:
• Shoulders
• Eyes
• Hips
• Change of speed
The fake must look believable.
❌ Performing Scissors Without A Threat
A fake only works when the defender believes something dangerous is coming.
If you are not attacking space, preparing a shot, or creating a passing opportunity, the defender has no reason to react.
Create the threat first.
Then use the move.
❌ Standing Flat-Footed
Stay on your tippy toes.
Quick feet allow you to explode after the movement.
Players who stand flat-footed lose the first step.
❌ Too Many Scissors
More moves do not always mean better dribbling.
One explosive scissors at the right moment is better than five unnecessary movements.
Scissors is one of the best attacking moves for 1v1 situations.
Use it when:
✅ A defender is directly in front of you
✅ You have space behind the defender
✅ You are attacking from the wing
✅ A defender is moving backward and waiting
✅ You want to create a shooting or crossing opportunity
Avoid using it when:
❌ Multiple defenders are surrounding you
❌ You have an easy passing option
❌ The defender is already off balance
❌ There is no space to accelerate after the move
The skill move creates the opening.
Your decision after the move determines the outcome.
Cristiano Ronaldo became one of the most recognizable players using scissors and step-over combinations.
However, the important lesson is not the number of moves he performed.
The important lesson is his timing.
Ronaldo's habits:
1. Attacking Speed
He approached defenders quickly enough to create pressure but stayed balanced enough to react.
2. Body Deception
His shoulders and hips sold the direction before the ball moved.
3. Explosive First Step
After the scissors, his first few steps created separation.
4. Purpose
He used the move to create:
• Shooting opportunities
• Crossing chances
• Space to attack
The scissors does not beat defenders because of the foot movement.
It beats defenders because it creates a decision.
The defender must choose:
"Does he go left?"
"Does he go right?"
The best attackers force defenders to guess.
Then they punish the wrong decision.
Complete:
✓ 100 scissors movements
✓ 50 exits to the left
✓ 50 exits to the right
✓ Beat a defender 10 times
✓ Use scissors successfully in a small-sided game
Final Focus:
Sell the fake.
Stay balanced.
Explode into space.
Attack the next action.