How to Get Open in Seconds: The Magic of the V-Cut

Think about the last time you wanted the ball during a game. Did you stand still and wave your hands? Did you yell "Pass!" while a defender stood right next to you?

If you did, you probably did not get the ball. And if you did get it, the defender probably kicked it away from you right away.

You do not need to be the fastest player on the field to get open. You just need to know how to trick your defender. The easiest way to do this is a simple move called the V-Cut.

The Three Steps of the V-Cut

A V-Cut is a run that looks like the letter V. You start in one place, run one way, change direction quickly, and sprint to a new spot.

To do a great V-Cut, follow these three steps:

1. Take the defender on a walk. Walk or slow-jog away from the space where you actually want the ball. If you want the ball in the midfield, run toward the goal. Your defender will follow you because they think you are trying to score.
2. Plant and push. Once the defender is moving with you, stop suddenly. Plant your outside foot hard into the grass.
3. Sprint to the space. Explode in the opposite direction. Sprint into the open space toward your teammate who has the ball.

By the time your defender realizes you stopped, you will already be two or three steps away. You will have plenty of room to receive the pass, turn, and make a play.

Why the V-Cut Works

Defenders are human. They cannot read your mind. They can only react to what your body does.

When you run away from the ball, the defender feels safe. They think, "Great, my player is running away from the action. I must follow them."

But when you suddenly stop and run the other way, the defender has to do three things:

• Notice that you stopped.
• Stop their own body weight.
• Turn around and chase you.

This takes them one or two seconds. In soccer, two seconds is a very long time. It is the difference between getting tackled immediately and having time to take a shot or pass to a teammate.

To make your V-Cuts work every time, keep these rules in mind:

• Be a good actor: Do not look at the space you actually want to go. Look where you are running first. If you want to go left, make the defender think you are running right.
• Time it right: Do not make your cut too early. Wait until your teammate with the ball is ready to pass. If you cut too soon, the defender will have time to catch up.
• Call for the ball with your feet: Talking tells the defender where the ball is going. A fast run into space speaks for itself.

Where to Use It

You can use the V-Cut anywhere on the field.

If you play wing, run down the sideline toward the corner flag, then sprint back toward your midfielder to get the ball. If you play striker, run toward the goal to push the defense back, then pop backward to get a pass at the top of the box. Even defenders can use V-cuts to get open for a goalie throw-in.

The next time you play, do not just stand and wait for the ball. Take your defender on a little walk, plant your foot, and run the other way.