Beat Defenders Easily With The Right Foot V Drag
What was the first elimination skill you learnt?
My guess is that it was probably a V drag, which is when we pull the ball back (out of the defenders space) and then move the ball further into another direction.
Most of us learn to do the V drag off the left foot, however when we do it off our right foot it allows us to change direction quicker (without losing too much momentum) and it's more unpredictable, making it easier to beat defenders.
How To Beat Defenders with The Right Foot V Drag
Here's a summary of the key points:
Step 1: Commit the defender
The first step is to commit the defender one way and get them moving by driving in a line that is just outside of their body (i.e. just outside their strong side).
Step 2: Pivot off your back foot
Once the defender starts preparing to make a tackle and you've engaged them, pull the ball back at a 45 degree angle and pivot off your back foot.
Try to time it so that you drag the ball back when you land on your right foot, which allows you to change direction much quicker, without needing to slow down as much. It's also more unpredictable.
Don't not to get too close to them, rather try keep the ball out of contact.
Step 3: Accelerate into space
Drive forward in the opposite direction at about a 45 degree angle and accelerate into the space outside of their left foot. The more you can convince them and get them to commit (step 1), the easier this will be and the less wide you'll need to carry.
Step 4: Protect the ball
Remember to use your body to protect the ball and close off the defender from making a last ditch desperate tackle.
Step 5: Practice your timing
Start by practicing on your own to get the technique and good ball control, the more repetition you do, the more natural it will start to feel.
Once you're comfortable with the technique, practice with a buddy to get your timing right.
Although this is a simple elimination skill, it can be extremely effective even when the defender knows it's coming. So, don't underestimate the simplicity of the V drag skill.
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Beat Defenders Easily With The Right Foot V Drag
What was the first elimination skill you learnt?
My guess is that it was probably a V drag, which is when we pull the ball back (out of the defenders space) and then move the ball further into another direction.
Most of us learn to do the V drag off the left foot, however when we do it off our right foot it allows us to change direction quicker (without losing too much momentum) and it's more unpredictable, making it easier to beat defenders.
How To Beat Defenders with The Right Foot V Drag
Here's a summary of the key points:
Step 1: Commit the defender
The first step is to commit the defender one way and get them moving by driving in a line that is just outside of their body (i.e. just outside their strong side).
Step 2: Pivot off your back foot
Once the defender starts preparing to make a tackle and you've engaged them, pull the ball back at a 45 degree angle and pivot off your back foot.
Try to time it so that you drag the ball back when you land on your right foot, which allows you to change direction much quicker, without needing to slow down as much. It's also more unpredictable.
Don't not to get too close to them, rather try keep the ball out of contact.
Step 3: Accelerate into space
Drive forward in the opposite direction at about a 45 degree angle and accelerate into the space outside of their left foot. The more you can convince them and get them to commit (step 1), the easier this will be and the less wide you'll need to carry.
Step 4: Protect the ball
Remember to use your body to protect the ball and close off the defender from making a last ditch desperate tackle.
Step 5: Practice your timing
Start by practicing on your own to get the technique and good ball control, the more repetition you do, the more natural it will start to feel.
Once you're comfortable with the technique, practice with a buddy to get your timing right.
Although this is a simple elimination skill, it can be extremely effective even when the defender knows it's coming. So, don't underestimate the simplicity of the V drag skill.
WANT TO REACH THE NEXT LEVEL IN YOUR HOCKEY?
I've put together a FREE 20 min training video sharing the 4 Steps To Get Noticed In Hockey, including how to avoid the same mistakes that I made (and that many others make too) when striving to reach a higher level in hockey.
Get the 4 Steps To Get Noticed FREE Training HERE
For more hockey tips and training DOWNLOAD OUR FREE mobile app using the buttons below