Q&A for How to Dribble Like Lionel Messi

Target the movement of the goalkeeper, then you see where there is a very clear place, then shoot the ball.

Watch for a mistake -- if a defender steps one way, go the other way. Wait for the step, then move.

At least an hour every day would be recommended. Of course, you don't want to exhaust yourself. The more practice, the more you will develop. Remember that you and only you are responsible for your development. When Messi was a child, wherever he went, the ball went. In other words, he always had a ball and made use of any opportunity he had to practice.

Messi does not perform trickery, he is more of a dribbler. He relies on feints and accelerating, and catching defenders wrong footed by cutting inside and outside quickly.

Take small steps and keep the ball as near to you as possible.

Keep your arms out so that the player can't go around you, or at least make it harder for him/her. Also, control the ball with the foot furthest from your body. Getting lower to the ground (bending your knees more) will allow you to stay in balance so that the player can't knock you off the ball.

Practice cutting and changing direction fast whilst running. The secret is that Messi approaches the defender slowly and then bursts into another direction.

Keep your mind in the game, concentrate and forget that people are watching.

Usually the outside of his foot. Sometimes, he will use the inside, depending on the situation.

Yes, of course, but it takes a lot of practice, maybe a bit more than a small player.

Basically whatever you can practice and for as much time as you think you should in relation to your goals as a player. For a non professional, you could start with at least 1 hour daily. If you are really serious about becoming a professional, try out at some local clubs. There you will know what to do and for how long.

Practice every day to improve your dribbling and passing. Set up some cones and practice dribbling around them. You can practice passing with friends, or against a wall.

It depends on your commitment. Like Mr. Messi said, he loved the game and played day and night from the age of three.

Dribble slowly to the left, then, when you reach the defender, speed up and suddenly cut to the right.

When you are close enough, just shoot. You miss 100% of the shots you never take.

Study how he plays and does free kicks, and when you are on the field, practice what you learned from him.

Stop your running stride suddenly or speed up and then slow down, or fake out the defender and make your move away from him.

The feint: You move one way, the defender will follow you, and then you move the other way to dribble past him.

As much as you can. The more you practice, the better you will get.

Anything is possible as long as you practice harder and harder everyday to become a great player.

Fake a direction with a feint, this makes the defender want to track you down. As soon as he tries to reach you with his legs, quickly perform a nutmeg. This will immediately cause the defender to look in the direction of the ball, thereby disrupting his attention on you, allowing you to pass or shoot.

Read him and maybe watch for a mistake. For example, if he commits or lunges in towards you change your direction.

Messi has good dribbling speed and the fastest feet in the game of football.

Yes. Any practice you do, whether it is one-on-one or otherwise, will help.

Messi relys on whippage. He likes to kick the ball in one of the top corners.

A proper and well-balanced diet is important for a healthy and strong body. Studies claim that 80 percent of your muscle growth is determined by what you eat. Stay away from processed food and eat lean meat that provides more protein and lesser calories. Proper nutrition and sleep helps you recover and recuperate fast so that you don’t suffer from burnout.

If there is an obvious pass that would help develop the attack, beat a defender, or helps the team keep possession, you should pass. However, if you don't have any of those options, you can take a calculated risk and attempt to dribble, and once an opportunity arises, then you should pass or shoot, depending on the situation.

You should be able to decide based on what you want to do with the ball - pass, shoot or cross. If you want to pass, look for angles and gaps through which you want to pass. If you want to shoot, dribble to get a good angle, space and enough time to shoot. If you want to cross, just dribble towards space. Other things you need to consider is the agility of the defender, his speed and his weak foot.

Try doing fake dribbles and passes and shots.

Yes. When he is about to shoot a goal, he uses his laces to give maximum power to the ball.