An Iconic Feint Born in Brazil
Few moves in football history are as effortlessly smooth as the Rivelino Feint. Named after Brazilian legend Roberto Rivelino, this move is more than just a trick—it’s a masterclass in deception.
Elegant, sharp, and timeless, the Rivelino Feint skill move helped Rivelino beat defenders without relying on pace or power. With one subtle fake, he shifted the balance of a game. And today, the move lives on through players who prize intelligence over flash.
Who Was Roberto Rivelino?
Roberto Rivelino starred for Brazil in the late 1960s and 1970s. He was part of the legendary 1970 World Cup-winning team alongside Pelé, Jairzinho, and Tostão.
Known for his powerful left foot, accurate passing, and dribbling finesse, Rivelino was more than just skillful—he was unpredictable. He invented or popularized several moves, but none left more of a legacy than his signature feint.
This feint became so effective that defenders often froze in place, unsure which direction he'd go next.
What Is the Rivelino Feint?
The Rivelino Feint is a body deception move. It looks simple, but when executed with proper timing, it completely unbalances the defender.
Here’s how it works:
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The player shapes up as if to shoot or pass with their dominant foot.
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At the last second, instead of touching the ball, they let the planted foot drop and quickly take the ball in the opposite direction using the outside of their other foot.
It’s a fake shot or fake pass—but without touching the ball at all. Instead, your body tells the defender one story, while your next touch writes a different one.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Rivelino Feint
Let’s break it down in more detail so you can master this move on your own.
Step 1: Approach the Ball
Start by dribbling toward the defender at a moderate pace. Keep the ball close.
Step 2: Shape to Pass or Shoot
Plant your non-dominant foot next to the ball. Swing your dominant foot as if you're about to strike it.
Step 3: Let the Ball Roll
Just as your foot reaches the ball, pull back. Don’t make contact. Let your body momentum do the work to fake out the defender.
Step 4: Touch and Go
Now use the outside of your opposite foot to take the ball away in the other direction. Accelerate immediately.
This move depends heavily on timing and conviction. If your body language is weak, the defender won’t buy the fake. But if you commit to the feint, they often shift weight or lunge—giving you an open lane.
Why the Rivelino Feint Works
At first glance, it seems like a basic fake. But the genius lies in the body positioning.
The Rivelino Feint tricks defenders because it mimics natural passing or shooting motion. Most players look for these cues to predict their next move. By faking those cues with realistic body shape—without touching the ball—you create hesitation.
Even a half-second delay can be enough to burst past a defender or slip a pass through.
Also, the move is extremely quick to execute, making it perfect for tight spaces or fast breaks. It doesn’t require multiple touches, making it ideal for players who want to maintain speed and rhythm.
When to Use the Rivelino Feint
The Rivelino Feint isn’t a move to use every time you get the ball. But in the right moment, it’s devastating. Use it when:
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A defender rushes toward you expecting a pass or shot
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You're receiving a ball under pressure
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You’re near the edge of the box and want to create a shooting lane
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You want to switch directions without slowing down
It works best when the opponent is close but not tackling, and they’re anticipating a forward move.
Famous Players Who Use It Today
Though named after Rivelino, this feint has been copied and adapted by many modern stars:
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Andrés Iniesta often used body feints to glide past defenders without a touch.
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Luka Modrić performs similar movements when dictating play from midfield.
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Lionel Messi uses body misdirection—often feinting shots or passes—to destroy defenders.
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Thiago Alcântara combines the Rivelino Feint with sharp touches to create angles under pressure.
It’s not always seen as a standalone move. In many cases, it blends into a sequence of body fakes and turns, but the core idea—selling a movement without contact—remains.
Training Tips to Master the Rivelino Feint
Repetition builds the rhythm and realism of this move. Use these drills to develop it:
1. Cone Fake Drill
Set up cones in a zig-zag pattern. Practice approaching each one and doing the Rivelino Feint. Focus on body shape and acceleration.
2. Wall Feint Drill
Pass against a wall. As the ball comes back, fake the pass before touching it in the opposite direction.
3. 1v1 Shadow Play
With a partner, go live. Perform the move when they step toward you. Try both feet.
Filming yourself can help. Watch how your body moves. If the feint doesn’t look convincing, defenders won’t fall for it. Sell it like a real pass or shot every time.
Key Mistakes to Avoid
1. Weak Body Language
If your fake doesn’t mimic a real shot or pass, the defender won’t move.
2. Touching Too Early
The magic lies in not touching the ball. Let it roll. The hesitation it causes is what opens space.
3. Wrong Timing
Don’t use it when you have lots of space. Save it for tight moments or pressure situations.
4. No Follow-Through
After the feint, you must burst away. If you stay flat-footed, the advantage disappears.
Why This Move Still Matters
Many modern players chase new skills. But the Rivelino Feint remains one of the most reliable. It’s simple, efficient, and effective. Unlike complex tricks that require space, this move works anywhere on the pitch.
It teaches important habits too—body control, deception, and confidence. These qualities matter far more than tricks that rarely come off.
Whether you're a winger trying to cut inside or a midfielder escaping pressure, this move helps you stay unpredictable. And in today’s game, that’s invaluable.
Final Thoughts
The Rivelino Feint skill move stands as a testament to football’s artistry. It proves that you don’t need endless step-overs or flicks to beat a defender. Sometimes, a well-timed body fake says more than a thousand touches.
Master it, and you’ll find more passing lanes, more shooting angles, and more control under pressure. Simple. Smooth. Devastating. Just like Rivelino himself.
So next time you're on the pitch, and you see a defender closing in, pause—sell the story—and vanish with a single touch.
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