The Pinky-Toe Push: How to Run Fast with the Ball

Think about how you run when you do not have a soccer ball. Your feet point straight ahead. Your body leans forward. You run fast because your legs move in a straight line.

Now, think about what happens when you get the ball. Do you slow down? Do you start to waddle like a duck?

Many players waddle because they try to dribble with the inside of their foot. To do this, you have to turn your knee out. Your hips twist. You cannot run fast when your hips are twisted.

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

How the Pinky-Toe Push Works

The Pinky-Toe Push is a way of dribbling with the outside of your foot. It lets you run at almost your top speed while keeping the ball right next to you.

Instead of turning your foot sideways to use the inside, you keep your foot pointing straight ahead. You use the very outside of your shoe, right where your pinky toe sits.

Here is how to set your foot up:

• Point your toes down: Your big toe should point toward the grass.
• Lock your ankle: Keep your ankle tight, not floppy.
• Turn your foot slightly in: Your heel should turn out just a tiny bit.

Now, when you run, your foot is already in the perfect shape to push the ball forward. You do not have to twist your hips. You can run in a straight, fast line.

The "Every Step" Rule

When you first try this, the ball might roll too far away. This happens because you are kicking the ball instead of pushing it.

To fix this, try to touch the ball on every single step you take with your kicking foot.

Imagine there is a short piece of string connecting your shoe to the ball. The string is only two feet long. If you push the ball too hard, the string will snap.

When you run, take a step and push the ball softly with your pinky toe. Then, step with your other foot. Then, push the ball again with your pinky toe on your next step.

Step, push, step, push.

If you do this right, the ball will look like it is glued to your foot. A defender will not be able to steal it because the ball never leaves your side.

When to Use It

This move is not for when you are trapped in a tight corner with three defenders around you. It is for when you have open space in front of you and you need to go fast.

Use the Pinky-Toe Push when:

• You beat a defender and need to sprint into the open space behind them.
• You are running down the sideline to cross the ball.
• You see a gap in the defense and want to drive into it quickly.

How to Practice at Home

You do not need a big field to practice this. You only need a ball and a few feet of grass or carpet. Try these three steps:

1. The Slow Walk: Walk slowly in a straight line. Push the ball with your pinky toe on every step. Do not let the ball get more than one foot away from you.
2. The Jog: Once you can walk with the ball, try a slow jog. Keep using the same pinky-toe touch.
3. The Sprint: Try to run as fast as you can for ten yards. Keep the ball under control using only your pinky toe.

If you lose the ball, that is okay. It means you are finding your speed limit. Just slow down a bit and try again.

Next time you play, leave the inside of your foot for passing. When it is time to run, use your pinky toe. You will get to the goal much faster, and the ball will come with you.