While typically known as Andres Iniesta from Barcelona’s signature move, the winning goal in the Champions League Final game between Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid occurred specifically because of Angel Di Maria’s execution of “La Croqueta.” Atletico played great defense for most of the game until Real Madrid scored a late goal to send the game into overtime. They continued to play strong defense, but eventually gave up a goal because Angel Di Maria used this move to beat two defenders to get a shot off that led to Gareth Bale’s goal on the deflection. Without this move, Real Madrid may not have won the Champions League Final in 2014.

This is a very simple move that, when executed properly, is very difficult to defend. This is a move that you do while dribbling down the field.

STEP 1 – Play the soccer ball across your body with the inside of one foot

STEP 2 – Play the ball forward with the inside of your other foot

This basically has the effect of moving the ball quickly sideways about 2-3 feet, allowing you to move the ball around a defender.

To practice the across body motion, use the Tick Tocks soccer drill. To do this drill, stand with your feet about shoulder width apart and use the inside of your feet to push the ball back and forth across your body. This helps you develop the ability to quickly and confidently move the ball across your body.

To practice the motion of pushing the ball across your body, use the U-Drill. To do the U-Drill, push the ball forward with one foot. With that same foot, catch the ball with the sole of your foot, then pull the ball back and push the ball across your body with the inside of that same foot. Push the ball forward with your other foot, then catch it with the sole of your foot and continue this motion. This drill is called the U-Drill because you move the ball in a shape like the letter “U.”

To practice doing the move itself, set up four pairs of cones in a straight line. Dribble the ball forward, and each time you get to a pair of cones, do La Croqueta around them. Start the pairs with the two cones right next to each other, then as you develop in skill, move them further apart.

One final note – when you do this move, after you push the ball across your body and forward, accelerate with the ball. This will develop space between you and the defender and allow you to get further clear after you do the move.

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If you’re looking for some more soccer moves and drills to practice them, my ebook, “Getting Ready for Tryouts – A Complete 30 Day Soccer Training Guide” was just released. It contains more moves, as well as 30 days of soccer workouts and preparation designed to help you develop all of your soccer abilities to help you maximize your chance of making a team.

If you’re looking for some great resources to get you started on your soccer training journey, check out our individual soccer drills page. These drills are all free and are intended to help you grow as a player.

For something a little more in-depth, check out our soccer training guides section. There are both free and paid guides in this section that contain actual soccer workouts that will show you step by step how to become a better soccer player.