The birth of the Roulette skill move can be traced back to the early 1970s when it was popularised by French football legend, Michel Platini. The elegant midfielder revolutionised the art of dribbling by incorporating the Roulette into his repertoire. Platini's creative brilliance and audacious style allowed him to evade defenders with ease, leaving fans in awe of his mastery on the pitch.
The Roulette is best utilised in specific situations that demand quick and skilful footwork. Here are some scenarios when your child should consider employing this delightful move:
Step 1: Approach the Ball and Defenders – Ask your child to approach the ball, telling them to assess the positioning of the defenders. Ideally, they want to execute the Roulette when the opposition is close but not too tight, giving them the space needed to spin effectively.
Step 2: Plant Your Foot – They must plant their non-dominant foot firmly on the ground beside the ball. This foot will serve as the pivot point during the spin.
Step 3: Rotate Your Body - With the ball on their dominant foot, show them how to quickly rotate their body in the opposite direction of their planted foot. Using their dominant foot to spin the ball around the planted foot, creating the 360-degree turn.
Step 4: Shield the Ball - As they complete the spin, tell your child to position their body between the ball and the defenders, shielding it from reach. Explain how they should use the opposite foot to gain momentum during the rotation and push the ball away from the defenders.
Step 5: Accelerate Away - Once they’ve completed the spin and shielded the ball, accelerate away from the defenders into the open space you've created. This burst of speed is crucial to capitalise on the advantage gained through the Roulette.
By understanding when and how to use the Roulette, your child can elevate their game and leave a lasting impact on the field. So, next time they find themselves in a tight spot with defenders closing in, they remember the beauty of the Roulette, and set the pitch ablaze with this timeless football technique.
If you want to help your child not only develop more skills like these but also improve their game in a range of areas, then the Family FC App is for you. Providing you with a range of structured coaching sessions to get the most out of the time you and your child spend playing football together.
