The Toe-Down Push: How to Dribble at Top Speed

Have you ever watched a fast player run down the sideline? They look like they are flying. The ball seems to stick to their feet.

Now watch a player who is struggling to go fast. They look like they are waddling. They take short, choppy steps. They look like a duck on ice.

The difference is not how fast their legs can move. The difference is which part of the foot they are using to touch the ball.

If you want to run at full speed with the ball, you need to stop using the inside of your foot. You need to use the Toe-Down Push.

Why the Inside of Your Foot Slows You Down

Most players learn to pass with the inside of their foot. It is a big, flat area. It is great for hitting a target. But the inside of your foot is terrible for running.

To touch the ball with the inside of your foot while moving forward, you have to turn your knee outward. You have to open your hip.

Try this right now. Stand up. Try to run across the room with your right foot turned out like a penguin.

It feels weird, right? It is slow. You cannot get any power. If you dribble this way on the field, you are fighting your own body. You cannot run at your top speed, and defenders will catch you easily.

How to Do the Toe-Down Push

To run fast, your body needs to move naturally. Your knees and hips should point straight ahead.

To make this happen, you must use the outside of your foot. Specifically, you use the area right next to your pinky toe, near the bottom of your laces.

Here is how to do it step-by-step:

1. Point your toes down. Your toes should point toward the grass, not up at the sky.
2. Lock your ankle. Keep your foot stiff. Do not let it go floppy.
3. Push with your pinky toe. Use the outside-top of your foot to nudge the ball forward.
4. Run normally. Your leg should move in a straight line, just like you are sprinting without the ball.

When you point your toe down, your knee stays straight. Your hips stay straight. You are not a penguin anymore. You are a sprinter.

When to Use It (And When to Stop)

The Toe-Down Push is like shifting your car into high gear. You do not use it all the time.

• Use it when you have open space. If you see a big open patch of grass in front of you, point your toe down and sprint.
• Do not use it in tight spaces. If you are surrounded by three defenders, you do not need speed. You need control. That is when you should use the inside or bottom of your foot to shield the ball.

Here are a few quick tips to help you practice this week:

• Take soft touches. Do not kick the ball far away. A good push keeps the ball just one step ahead of you.
• Touch the ball on every other step. Try to touch the ball every time your running foot steps forward. This keeps the ball glued to you.
• Keep your eyes up. Do not just stare at your shoes. Look at the field so you can see defenders coming.

Try this at your next practice. Start slow. Walk and push the ball with your toe down. Then jog. Then run. Once you get the hang of it, you will leave defenders in the dust.