“Everything is Determined by Distance and Angle” – The Dribbling Theory in Futsal

What do you usually focus on when dribbling?

In reality, many people rely purely on their instinct without much thought.
Such dribblers tend to be inconsistent in their play and cannot deliver high performance on a regular basis.

You might be surprised, but there is a theory behind dribbling in futsal – or rather, in football.

To cut to the chase, the dribbling theory = the gap with your opponent (distance × angle) × technique.

So, what exactly does this distance × angle represent?

This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the dribbling theory that every FP should know, complete with diagrams and videos.

Gap with Your Opponent = Distance × Angle

When you hear the word “gap,” you might think it’s simply the distance between people; however, considering that football (soccer, futsal, etc.) involves a goal, that notion is incorrect.

The gap is expressed not only by the distance between individuals but also by distance × angle, where the angle refers to the one formed by the interplay of the goal, defense, and offense.

In defense, since it is necessary to constantly cover the goal to stop shots and dribbles, it is crucial to always be aware of keeping this angle at 180 degrees.

Furthermore, teams with a shared understanding – for instance, when FP cuts to the far side and the goleiro guards the near post – might safely consider the second post as the goal’s reference point.

Next, let’s delve a bit deeper into distance and angle.

Distance: To Avoid Losing the Ball

There are generally three situations in which you lose the ball.

Conversely, as long as none of these three occur, you won’t lose the ball.

If you maintain a distance that prevents opponents from reaching you and avoid careless mistakes, you should be able to keep the ball.

Angle: To Beat the Defense (the Angle That Can Win with Yoidoon)

By maintaining a distance where the opponent’s DF cannot reach and gradually changing your angle without being noticed, it is important to achieve an angle that allows you to break free completely.

This breakaway angle varies depending on the quality difference between you and your opponent, so it is essential to practice and have in mind an angle that allows you to break free to a certain degree.

If your opponent is overly cautious about vertical play, opt for a cut-in to transition into a pass or shot.

When you break vertically, the angle to the goal tends to vanish, so it is important to be cautious about entering the zone near the CK.

First, Aim for a Vertical Breakthrough

If you want to approach the opponent’s goal more quickly, you need to opt for a faster dribble.

Since dribbling involves running while kicking the ball, its speed can never exceed that of an all-out sprint.
Therefore, it is clear that a vertical dribble, which closely resembles the form of a sprint, is the fastest and most forward-moving dribble.

Showing Vertical Play Makes the Cut-In Effective

When you showcase your vertical prowess, the opposing DF becomes cautious about vertical play, causing their center of gravity to shift backward.

Thus, if you cancel your vertical run and execute a cut-in, you can catch your opponent off guard.

How to Deal When the Opponent Is Close

If you try to approach the goal via the shortest route while the opponent is close, the opposing DF can easily extend their leg to intercept.

In such cases, it is effective to adopt an individual tactic that escapes the opponent’s defensive range.

For a vertical breakthrough, a double touch is very effective, and for a cut-in, a pull-push works extremely well.

Dribbling with the Game in Mind

Body Orientation: Creating a Triple Threat

Securing Vertical Space

When it comes to dribbling, it is extremely important to always have the option of vertical play.

When There Is No Vertical Space

If there isn’t vertical space, the rule of thumb is to forcefully execute a cut-in and bring the ball to the center.

In such cases, if you are close to your opponent, perform the cut-in with a slightly negative angle.

By executing a cut-in and shot cancel, you can lure the opposing DF.

Furthermore, by moving vertically after the cancel, you can make effective use of the space created by the cut-in.

Summary

What did you think?

This blog teaches you the logic behind dribbling, but a minimum level of technique to embody that logic is indispensable.

Conversely, once you grasp this logic, you can focus solely on practicing and honing your technique.

Please take a moment to review your own dribbling footage in light of this theory.