A quick drag-and-pull move that creates rapid directional changes and panna opportunities.
The V-Pull is an intermediate skill move characterized by its distinctive V-shaped ball path. This technique involves dragging the ball in one direction with the sole of your foot before quickly pulling it back and pushing it in a different direction. The resulting path forms a V-shape, creating confusion and opening up new angles of attack.
What makes the V-Pull particularly effective in panna football is its ability to create sudden changes in ball position within a very small area. Unlike moves that require significant space, the V-Pull can be executed in tight quarters, making it ideal for the confined panna court. The move is especially useful for setting up nutmeg opportunities, as the quick directional change often causes defenders to widen their stance momentarily.
The V-Pull is somewhat similar to the Akka, but executed with the sole of the foot maintaining contact throughout the drag phase, giving you more control and allowing for sharper angle changes. This control makes it a reliable move for both creative play and tactical positioning.
Start with the ball close to your dominant foot. Your body should be balanced with your weight slightly forward, ready to move. The ball needs to be close enough that you can maintain control throughout the entire move but not so close that you'll trip over it. Keep your knees slightly bent for better balance and quicker reactions.
Place the sole of your dominant foot on top of the ball. Roll the ball diagonally forward and to one side, maintaining constant contact with your sole. This drag should be smooth and controlled - you're not just pushing the ball but rolling it under your control. The drag typically goes 30-50cm, enough to make the defender react but not so far that you lose control. Your body should begin moving with the ball, selling the direction.
Without lifting your foot from the ball, reverse the motion. Pull the ball sharply back toward yourself, still using the sole of your foot. This pull-back should be quicker and more forceful than the initial drag. This is where the V-shape begins to form. The defender has started reacting to your initial drag, and now you're pulling the ball away from their defensive movement.
As you pull the ball back, transition from your sole to the inside or outside of your foot (or use your other foot) and immediately push the ball in a new direction - typically perpendicular or opposite to your initial drag. This completes the V-shape. Push the ball with authority and accelerate immediately into the new direction. The defender is now reacting to their second misdirection and should be off-balance, giving you the advantage.
The V-Pull is most effective in these situations:
One of the most common errors is dragging the ball too far in the initial direction. This makes the pull-back difficult and gives defenders time to recover. Keep your drag controlled and within 30-50cm for optimal effectiveness.
Lifting your foot off the ball during the drag phase reduces control and makes the move less fluid. Your sole should maintain light contact with the ball throughout the drag and pull-back phases. Practice slow rolls to develop this touch.
A timid or slow pull-back doesn't create the sudden direction change needed to wrong-foot defenders. The pull-back should be sharp and decisive - this is where the move's effectiveness comes from.
Executing the V-Pull technically perfect but then not accelerating afterward wastes the opportunity created. The final push and acceleration should be explosive, capitalizing on the defender's off-balance position.
Master the V-Pull with these video resources:
These moves work excellently in combination with the V-Pull:
Perfect the V-Pull with these focused drills: