Marseille turn – The 360° spin to turn away from pressure

Marseille Turn: a 360° spin to evade defenders, keep control, and create space. Learn step-by-step tips to perfect this iconic football move!

The Marseille Turn, also known as the Roulette or 360° Spin, is one of the most iconic and effective football dribbling techniques in the sport. Popularized by legendary players like Zinedine Zidane and Diego Maradona, the Marseille Turn allows players to evade tight marking, maintain possession, and create attacking opportunities by spinning away from pressure with fluidity and control. For fans who want to enjoy more football action, you can Watch Free Football on XoilacTV anytime online.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Marseille Turn — from its origins and mechanics to when and how to use it on the pitch, plus tips to master the move and common mistakes to avoid. Don’t forget to check out the Final Scores for Today’s Matches to stay updated with the latest football results. Whether you’re a beginner or an aspiring pro, understanding the Marseille Turn will add a valuable skill to your football arsenal.

What is the Marseille turn?

The Marseille Turn is a dribbling move where a player performs a full 360-degree spin while keeping close control of the ball, allowing them to change direction sharply and evade an opponent. The player uses the sole of their feet — usually one foot pushes the ball backward while the other foot rolls it forward — to execute a smooth spin, effectively shielding the ball from defenders.

The move’s name derives from its popularity in French football, particularly linked to Zinedine Zidane, a French football legend who famously used the spin to glide past opponents with grace. Sometimes called the “Roulette,” the Marseille Turn is a staple skill in the repertoire of technically gifted midfielders and attackers worldwide.

History and origins of the Marseille turn

While the exact origins of the Marseille Turn are difficult to pin down, the move gained widespread attention during the 1980s and 1990s thanks to players like Diego Maradona and Zinedine Zidane.

• Diego Maradona, the Argentine maestro, used variations of the spin during his dazzling runs, blending creativity with technical mastery.
• Zinedine Zidane brought the move into the spotlight during his time with Bordeaux, Juventus, and Real Madrid, performing the turn with exceptional smoothness to navigate through defenses effortlessly.

The move was also seen in street football and freestyle sessions long before making it to the professional level. Today, it is a fundamental skill taught in football academies as part of advanced ball control and dribbling techniques.

How to perform the Marseille turn: Step-by-step guide

Performing the Marseille Turn requires coordination, timing, and balance. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to help you learn the move:

Approach the opponent and ball

• Keep the ball close to your feet, preferably with your dominant foot slightly ahead.
• Maintain a low center of gravity with bent knees for balance.
• Focus on the opponent’s position to anticipate pressure.

Plant your strong foot and start the spin

• Place the sole of your stronger foot (usually your dominant foot) on top of the ball, pushing it backward.
• Simultaneously, pivot your body and rotate 180 degrees, starting to spin.

Use the other foot to roll the ball forward

• While completing the spin, use the sole of your other foot to drag the ball forward.
• This completes the 360-degree rotation, allowing you to move away from the defender’s marking.

Accelerate away from the defender

• After completing the spin, use a burst of speed to distance yourself from the defender.
• Keep your eyes up to scan for passing or shooting options.

Practice makes perfect

• Repeat the move slowly at first, then gradually increase speed.
• Practice with both feet to become unpredictable.

When to use the Marseille turn

The Marseille Turn is particularly useful in situations where you are closely marked and need to:

• Evade a defender: When a defender is approaching from behind or side, the spin helps to change direction quickly.
• Create space: By shielding the ball during the spin, you gain crucial space to make a pass or shot.
• Maintain possession: In tight spaces, the turn keeps the ball close and difficult to steal.
• Initiate attacks: Use the move to break defensive lines and open up attacking options.

However, avoid overusing the move, especially in your own half, as a failed spin can lead to loss of possession.

Benefits of the Marseille turn

• Protects the ball: Your body acts as a shield during the spin.
• Changes direction quickly: Effective against high-pressure defenses.
• Surprises opponents: The sudden turn can catch defenders off guard.
• Builds confidence: Mastering the move enhances your dribbling repertoire.

Tips to master the Marseille turn

• Keep the ball close: Use the sole of your feet to control the ball tightly during the spin.
• Stay low: Bend your knees for better balance and quicker turns.
• Use both feet: Practice the turn starting with either foot to become more versatile.
• Watch professional examples: Study Zidane, Maradona, and modern players who use the move effectively.
• Train regularly: Incorporate the Marseille Turn in your dribbling drills.
• Combine with other moves: Use the turn as part of a sequence of feints and dribbles.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Turning too wide: A large spin gives defenders time to recover.
• Lifting the ball too high: Keep it close to prevent losing control.
• Using the move unnecessarily: Use the turn only when under pressure.
• Poor body positioning: Failure to shield the ball leaves it vulnerable.

Variations of the Marseille turn

• Double Marseille Turn: Two quick spins to evade multiple defenders.
• Roulette with a fake shot: Combine a fake shot before spinning to further confuse opponents.
• Fast roulette: A quicker, sharper version used in counter-attacks.

Famous Marseille turn moments in football

• Zidane’s 360° spins in the 1998 World Cup and Champions League finals remain unforgettable.
• Maradona’s use of the turn during the 1986 World Cup showcased his genius.
• Modern players like Paul Pogba and Eden Hazard often employ the move to break through tight defenses.

Incorporating the Marseille turn into your game

To effectively use the Marseille Turn in matches:

• Practice at game speed.
• Combine it with good vision and decision-making.
• Use it to create shooting or passing opportunities.
• Be unpredictable—mix spins with feints and changes in pace.

Conclusion

The Marseille Turn is more than just a flashy skill; it’s a practical and effective way to evade pressure, maintain possession, and create attacking chances in football. With dedication and practice, mastering this 360-degree spin can elevate your dribbling skills and make you a more formidable player on the pitch.

Whether you dream of emulating Zidane’s grace or simply want to improve your ball control, the Marseille Turn is a must-learn technique for any serious footballer.