One of the flashiest moves in soccer that can garner you a superior position on the field and the cheers of the crowd is a nutmeg on a fast approaching opponent or defender. A nutmeg is a term used in soccer for a move where you push a ball between a defender’s leg that will allow you to pass him and get the advantage in position on your way to a possible goal. This move can be rather difficult and risky. If a nutmeg is not done right, it can cost you a potential goal and possession.
- Control the ball. In order to perform a nutmeg, you need to be in total control of the ball. Your footing should be ready and balanced as well. If the defender is moving fast towards you, you need to be ready. Total ball control should be achieved when the defender is within two to three strides of you.
- Observe the defender’s balance. As soon as a defender is within a few strides of you, it is important to look at his balance. Figure out what foot he has his weight on. Most skilled players know and are trained to never stay flat footed. They must always choose one foot to put their weight on. This is usually the foot slightly ahead the other. This type of footwork will allow a player to shift his weight easily to the other foot that will enable him to move in all four directions in an instant. You will need to determine where his weight is. Take a mental note, as this will be the basis of your next move.
- Push the ball for a feint. Once you have determined that the front foot of the defender is where his weight is focused on, it is time to prepare to feint. A feint is a move to make your opponent off-balance and making him think that you are going a particular way to trick him to move that way. Push the ball 6 to 12 inches to the opposite side of the foot where his weight is focused on. This will make the defender shift his weight to the other foot. Make sure you do not lose contact with the ball.
- Push the ball the other way. Once you perform the feint and the defender has shifted his balance to the other foot, the nutmeg is ready for execution. Since he shifted his weight to the other foot to allow him to block you. Push the ball toward the foot he previously focused his weight on. The reason for this is to get him off-balanced. Once you push it that direction, your opponent should be still moving in the wrong direction. Now tap the ball through your opponent’s legs. If your defender is not agile enough, the ball should successfully pass his legs.
- Move around the defender. Once you have successfully pushed the ball between the defender’s legs, step around him and start running toward the ball. The more speed you put into it, the better advantage you will have. If you executed the nutmeg as a pass to your teammate, then continue to move in the direction where you can assist him.
As soon as you have successfully executed a nutmeg, you should have a good advantage on your way to the opponent’s goal. Simultaneously, you should hear the cheers by the crowd. The defender will then scramble to catch up to you and try to get revenge for embarrassing him so.
