The Athletic Launches “How To Series” Featuring Football Insiders

The Athletic has launched an innovative “How To Series” designed to teach football fans and aspiring players a range of essential skills and techniques. The special video-led series features insights from professional footballers, a Premier League academy player, and a prominent football YouTuber.

This initiative aims to break down complex moves and offer practical demonstrations, drawing inspiration from some of the world’s greatest players, including those showcased during recent World Cup tournaments.

Skill Breakdown and Expert Instruction

The series delves into various aspects of the game, from advanced dribbling maneuvers to fundamental shooting techniques. One notable skill featured is “la cola de vaca,” or “the cow’s tail,” a deceptive 180-degree sweep turn popularized by Brazilian legend Romario. The tutorial demonstrates how Ismael Saibari of Morocco recently employed this move during a World Cup match.

Beyond dribbling, the “How To Series” will cover shooting, passing strategies, set-piece execution, goalkeeping tips, and ball-juggling challenges, including those inspired by Diego Maradona’s warm-up routines.

A Diverse Cast of Football Experts

To guide viewers through the comprehensive curriculum, The Athletic has assembled a team of experienced individuals with extensive professional football backgrounds. This cast includes:

• Eman Balogun: A football YouTuber and content creator with over five million subscribers. Balogun, who has played and managed in the Baller League and shared a pitch with football icons Thierry Henry and Eden Hazard, brings a digital-first perspective to football instruction.
• Tom Huddlestone: A former England international and long-serving Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, known for his elegant ball-striking and precise passing.
• Leon Trundle: A cult hero in English lower leagues, nicknamed ‘Magic Daps’ for his flamboyant style and showboating.
• Declan Davies: A former Everton player and promising young talent who broke through in the Premier League at 17.
• Cristopher Vigouroux: The current No. 1 goalkeeper for the Chilean national team, with experience at clubs like Swansea City.
• Rafferty Bolshaw: A Liverpool Under-14 midfielder known for his technical ability and deep understanding of positional play.
• Shay Dunn, Jimmie Basquine, and Kieran Bassom: Teenagers currently developing their skills at the Volenti Academy in London.

The series aims to provide accessible, actionable advice for players of all levels, offering a unique opportunity to learn directly from those who have excelled in the professional game.

Key Facts

This “How To Series” from The Athletic is particularly relevant to FootballGames10 readers who are keen on understanding the finer points of the game. By offering expert breakdowns of skills that fans see on display in major tournaments like the World Cup, the series provides valuable insights for players looking to improve their own game, coaches seeking new training ideas, and even fans wanting a deeper appreciation of the technical artistry involved in professional football.

Source: The Athletic Football – https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7362386/2026/06/16/world-cup-soccer-tutorials-skills-how-to-series/