Skill

Receiving the ball side-on so you're already facing partially up the pitch, ready to play forward or turn quickly. Better than receiving flat-footed with your back to goal. Players who check their shoulder before receiving can set up half-turns and play faster. It's a small thing that separates players who keep attacks moving from those who have to stop and turn.

An ambitious long-range pass that looks spectacular when it works but isn't the smart option. Players try them to impress rather than because they're the best choice. A 60-yard diagonal might look great on highlights but ignores three shorter passes that would've kept the attack going. Coaches hate Hollywood balls because they indicate poor decision-making.

A 360-degree spin - drag the ball with the sole of one foot while spinning, then take it away with the other foot. Also called the roulette or Maradona turn. Useful for escaping pressure by turning away from defenders in one motion. You need balance and confidence to turn your back on someone closing you down. Zidane did it with more elegance than anyone, though Maradona loved it too.

How a player controls the ball when they receive it. A good first touch sets up the next action - it kills the ball dead, or pushes it into space, or opens your body for a pass or shot. A bad first touch wastes chances and kills attacks. You can judge a player's technical level instantly from how they receive the ball. It's the foundation skill that separates levels.

Shape to pass or shoot, then drag the ball behind your standing leg with the inside of your foot and spin away. Named after Johan Cruyff, who did it to Swedish defender Jan Olsson at the 1974 World Cup and left him completely fooled. The trick is that your body says one thing while doing another. It's taught to kids everywhere now because it's simple and it works.