The Pinky-Toe Push: How to Dribble Fast Without Losing the Ball

Imagine you get the ball in the middle of the field. There is wide-open green grass in front of you. You want to run as fast as you can.

But when you start dribbling, you feel slow. You feel clumsy. The ball bounces too far away, or it gets stuck under your feet. A defender runs you down and takes the ball.

Why did this happen?

It happened because you used the inside of your foot to dribble.

Using the inside of your foot is great for passing. It is great for stopping the ball. But it is terrible for running fast.

To run fast with the ball, you need to use the Pinky-Toe Push.

Why the Inside of Your Foot Slows You Down

Try a quick test right now. Stand up. Walk across the room.

Now, try to walk while pointing your toes out to the sides, like a duck.

It feels weird, right? You cannot run fast when your feet point outward.

When you dribble with the inside of your foot, you have to turn your leg out on every single touch. Your hip opens up. Your knee points away. This forces you to waddle. You cannot sprint while waddling.

Also, when you use the inside of your foot, you have to reach across your body. This makes you lose your balance.

The Pinky-Toe Push fixes all of this. It lets you run in a normal, straight line. Your body stays balanced. You can sprint at full speed, and the ball stays right with you.

How to Do the Pinky-Toe Push

To do this touch, you do not use the big, flat arch of your foot. You use the outside of your foot, right near your pinky toe.

Here is how to set up your foot:

1. Point your toes down. Your heel should be up in the air.
2. Tilt your foot. Turn your big toe inward, toward your other foot.
3. Push, do not kick. Use the area near your pinky toe to gently nudge the ball forward.

When you do this correctly, your foot shape looks like you are about to shoot the ball with your laces. But instead of hitting it hard, you just give the ball a soft push.

Because your toes are pointed down, your leg is in a natural running position. You do not have to turn your hip. You can take a step, push the ball, take another step, and push it again. It feels just like regular running.

How to Practice It

You can practice this in your yard or even down a long hallway at home. You do not need a lot of space. Here is how to get started:

• Start at a walking pace. Do not try to sprint yet. Walk in a straight line. Every time your dominant foot steps forward, give the ball a tiny push with your pinky toe.
• Keep the ball close. The ball should only travel about one foot in front of you on each touch. If you have to chase it, you pushed it too hard.
• Touch the ball on every step. This is the secret of the best dribblers. They touch the ball almost every time their foot hits the ground. This keeps the ball glued to them.
• Speed up slowly. Once you can do it walking, try a slow jog. Then try a fast run.

At first, your ankle might feel a little floppy. That is normal. Just remember to keep your ankle locked and your toes pointed down toward the grass.

Once you get the hang of it, you will notice something cool. You will not have to look down at the ball the whole time. Because the ball is right where your foot expects it to be, you can keep your eyes up. You can see the goal, your teammates, and the defenders.

Put away the duck waddle. Use your pinky toe, lock your ankle, and run like the wind.