Few players have ever done the step over like Robinho. The Brazilian winger, known for his “pedaladas” (Portuguese for “pedals”), could circle his feet over the ball so quickly that defenders didn’t know which way he was going. Neymar has called Robinho his childhood hero, and it’s easy to see why.
This guide tells the story of Robinho’s most famous step overs, then shows you how to do the step over yourself, step by step.
Robinho’s Most Famous Step Overs
The moment that made Robinho a star came in the 2002 Brazilian Championship final. On December 15, 2002, an 18-year-old Robinho faced Corinthians right-back Rogério. He stepped over the ball eight times, leaving Rogério so bewildered that the defender fouled him in the box. Robinho scored the penalty himself, and Santos went on to win the match 3-2 and the title.
Those eight “pedaladas” became one of the most famous dribbles in Brazilian soccer history. Robinho went on to play for Real Madrid, Manchester City and AC Milan, as well as Brazil.
What Is a Step Over?
A step over is a feint where you swing your foot around the ball without touching it, pretending to move it in one direction, then take it the other way. Done once, it can unbalance a defender. Done several times in a row, like Robinho, it can freeze them completely.
How to Do a Step Over: Step by Step
- Dribble toward the defender with the ball slightly in front of you.
- Swing your right foot around the front of the ball from inside to outside, without touching it.
- Drop your shoulder to the right to sell the fake.
- Plant your right foot to the right of the ball.
- Push the ball away to the left with the outside of your left foot.
- Accelerate past the defender.
Single vs Multiple Step Overs
- Single step over: quick and efficient. Best when you’re running at speed.
- Double step over: one with each foot. Makes the defender guess twice.
- Multiple step overs (Robinho style): useful when the defender is standing still and you need to unbalance them before attacking.
Whatever you choose, the step overs are only the setup. The acceleration afterward beats the defender.
Common Step Over Mistakes
- Too far from the defender: start your step overs about two yards away.
- No body movement: drop the shoulder; a fake with just the foot won’t fool anyone.
- No change of pace: explode away after the final step over.
- Touching the ball: the foot circles the ball without contact.
Step Over Practice Drill
- Stationary step overs (3 minutes): alternate feet over a stationary ball. Build rhythm.
- Cone approach (5 minutes): dribble at a cone, do one step over, exit the other way.
- Robinho pedals (5 minutes): stand in front of a cone and do 3-4 quick step overs, then accelerate past.
- 1v1 game (7 minutes): attacker vs defender. Reward a successful step over and finish.
The Step Over and the Coerver Method
At Coerver Coaching, the step over is one of the foundation moves in our 1v1 program. We teach it as part of a family of moves (changes of direction, stops and starts, and feints) so players learn not just how to do it, but when.
Want to learn more moves? See the air elastico, the Zidane roulette and Cristiano Ronaldo’s moves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “pedalada” mean?
It’s Portuguese for “pedal,” describing the cycling motion of the step over.
How many step overs did Robinho do against Corinthians?
Eight, in the 2002 Brazilian Championship final, winning a penalty he converted himself.
Is the step over a good move for beginners?
Yes. Start slowly and stationary, then add speed and a defender.
Want to pull off moves like these?
Coerver Moves breaks down the 1v1 moves the world’s best players use, step by step on video, so you can practise them at home and use them in games.
