You know, when I watch professional players like LA Tenorio making strategic moves on the field, it always reminds me how crucial mastering fundamental soccer techniques really is. I remember coaching a youth team last season where we focused intensely on just seven essential moves, and the transformation in our players' performance was remarkable - their confidence grew by what felt like at least 60% compared to when we started. The way Tenorio approaches coaching Gilas Youth Pilipinas demonstrates exactly why these foundational skills matter so much in creating dominant players.
Let me share with you the seven moves that I've found most transformative in my own experience. First is the classic step-over - it's not just about fancy footwork but creating that crucial half-second of hesitation in your opponent. I've counted players successfully using this move 8-12 times per game at professional levels. The Cruyff turn comes next, and personally, I think it's one of the most underrated moves in modern soccer. Then we have the elastico, which requires precise ball control but can completely dismantle defensive lines when executed properly. The fourth move is the simple yet effective body feint - it's all about selling the fake with your shoulders and eyes. I've noticed that players who master this can increase their successful dribbles by what feels like 40% compared to those who don't.
The fifth essential is the Marseille turn, or roulette as some call it, which is perfect for tight spaces. I actually prefer this over simpler turns because it maintains better ball protection. Then we have the pull-push technique, which might seem basic but when combined with sudden acceleration becomes incredibly effective. Finally, the chop turn - this one saved me countless times during my playing days when I needed to quickly change direction under pressure. What's fascinating is how these moves work together to create what I like to call "soccer vocabulary" - the more moves you have in your arsenal, the more unpredictable you become.
Implementing these moves requires what I call deliberate practice - not just repetition, but focused repetition with variation. I've seen players spend 30-45 minutes daily on just two or three moves, and within three months, their success rate in game situations improves dramatically. The key is understanding that these aren't just tricks - they're solutions to specific game situations. When LA Tenorio works with Gilas Youth, I imagine he emphasizes this contextual understanding rather than treating moves as isolated skills.
What many amateur players miss is the mental component - knowing when to deploy which move. Through my experience, I'd estimate that 70% of successful moves come from reading the defender's position and momentum correctly, while only 30% is pure technical execution. That's why I always tell young players to watch how professionals like Tenorio approach the game mentally, not just physically. The best players have this sixth sense for choosing the right move at the right moment, and that comes from both practice and game intelligence.
Ultimately, mastering these seven moves creates what I consider the foundation for soccer excellence. They're not just individual skills but interconnected tools that, when combined with game understanding, can genuinely transform how you play. The beauty of soccer is that you're never done learning - even at professional levels, players keep refining these fundamental moves. So whether you're coaching like Tenorio or playing recreationally, returning to these essentials regularly will keep your game sharp and evolving.
