What is a nutmeg in soccer?
A nutmeg in soccer is when a player passes or dribbles the ball between an opponent’s legs and gets it back on the other side. It works when a defender stands square with their feet wide apart, and it is a pass or a dribble like any other, with no extra points.
Other names: megs.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
Nutmeg: diagram
When a nutmeg works
- The defender faces you flat, with both feet side by side and wide apart.
- You are close enough that they cannot close their legs in time.
- There is space behind them, and you can run around to reach the ball first.
- A defender who stands side-on, as good defenders do, leaves no gap. Then go around them, or pass.
Common mistakes
- Trying it near your own goal, where losing the ball is dangerous.
- Looking for a nutmeg when a teammate is free for an easy pass.
- Stopping to celebrate. The move only counts if you keep the ball afterward.
In 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal
Small games have many one-against-one moments, so futsal and 7v7 are good places to learn when a nutmeg is on. For defenders the lesson is the same everywhere: stand side-on with your knees bent.
Questions about the nutmeg
What does “megs” mean?
It is short for nutmeg: the ball went between a player’s legs.
Is a nutmeg allowed in soccer?
Yes. It is a normal, fair way to pass or dribble past an opponent.
How do defenders stop a nutmeg?
By standing side-on, one foot in front of the other, instead of square with the feet apart.
Lessons that teach it
- Carry or Pass? (7v7 lesson)Watch which route the defender leaves open.
- Give Your Teammate Room to Dribble (7v7 lesson)The sole middle midfielder leaves room for a wide teammate to try a one-against-one, then reconnects after the dribble.
- Two Attackers: Commit the Defender (Futsal lesson)Carry at the lone defender, then choose the route their movement leaves.
Related soccer terms
- 2v1Two attackers against one defender. The player with the ball dribbles at the defender, then passes if the defender comes or keeps going if they do not.
- TackleUsing your foot to take the ball away from an opponent.
- First TouchThe touch you take as the ball arrives. A good one puts the ball where you want to play next.
- Give-and-GoPass to a teammate, run past your defender and get the ball straight back. Also called a one-two or a wall pass.
- All soccer terms, A to Z92 soccer words in plain English, from advantage to yellow card, 18 with a diagram
- Soccer rules for kids16 rules explained for kids, each with a diagram: offside, handball, throw-ins and more
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.