Here I will analyse Delphine Cascarino’s 1-v-1 dribbling skill, focusing on a play from San Diego’s recent loss to Chicago.

Here is the play in question.

Let’s break it down in more detail.

To do that, here is a slow-motion video analysis highlighting what Cascarino does, how it affects the defender, and the end result.

Almost purely right-footed, Cascarino is rarely going to come inside. And the defender wants to show her outside and away from goal anyway. Cascarino’s aim is to add unpredictability. She does this using change of speed, change of direction, and several feints.

The defender starts off in a solid defensive position. She doesn’t dive in, but stays within tackling distance. Her body shape is side-on, showing Cascarino outside, where she wants her to go. Her focus is on the ball. She isn’t flat-footed, so she can jockey and is prepared to adjust if necessary. Her balance is good too.

However, by the end of the play, the defender becomes flat-footed and caught square. That means she can’t match Cascarino’s acceleration on the outside, because she now has to half-turn whilst Cascarino is already facing where she wants to go.

Here’s how Cascarino gets to that point:

1. Committing the defender, dribbling straight at her. Now it’s more complex for the defender because she has to cover the possible dribble inside and outside.
2. Stepover, and a feinted pass back. These moves create uncertainty for the defender, who has to keep adjusting her body at speed.
3. Acceleration on the outside. Once the defender has been unbalanced, Cascarino can do what she was going to all along: knock it past her and run around the outside.