Getting nutmegged is one of those moments you want to forget quickly. When you nutmeg somebody else, however, you’ll feel like you’ve got one over the opponent in your psychological battle with them.
Some of the finest pieces of individual build-up play throughout soccer history have included nutmegs.
If you’re unfamiliar with soccer, you’re probably wondering what on Earth I’m talking about.
So let’s talk about nutmegs: what are they? Are they worthwhile doing? When’s the best time to perform one?
So, what is a nutmeg in soccer?
A nutmeg is the act of kicking the ball between an opponent’s legs.Nutmegs are viewed as an embarrassing thing to happen to a player, as if they’ve been fooled.
Although there is some disrespect associated with the move, there are territorial advantages gained aside from humiliating your opponent.
It can happen to any player on the field by any opposition player, whether intentional or unintentional.
Other countries have different names for a nutmeg. In Brazil, they prefer to call it a mini window; in France, it’s a little bridge, and in other European countries, they refer to it as a tunnel.
For what it’s worth, Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Trincão ranked as one of the best nutmeggers in the game, averaging almost one in every game he played.
Where does the term ‘nutmeg’ come from?
It’s an unusual expression that has a fittingly interesting story behind it.
For a long time, many believed that the explanation of the word’s use in soccer was simple: ‘nutmeg’ rhymed with ‘leg.’ Cockney rhyming slang, which is playing on words that Londoners have done for generations, was accepted by many as the origin for this term.
Although it’s difficult to ever be certain where the term came from, author and soccer historian Peter Seddon doesn’t believe it was as straightforward as rhyming, instead explaining how the likeliest elucidation comes from the 19th century.
Thus, the term “nutmegged” became a phrase for duping somebody or making them look a fool. Somehow, the saying transferred into soccer parlance and has remained there ever since.
Is it difficult to nutmeg an opponent in soccer?
Yes, it can be difficult to nutmeg an opponent in soccer.The reason for this is that your opponent will be prepared for you to knock the ball beyond them, so when they face you, it’s likely that they’ll be facing side-on. This can make nutmegging them challenging.
Even when you can see a player is facing you straight on, people are so keen to avoid being nutmegged that they’ll keep their legs tight together, making it almost impossible to put the ball through their legs.
However, if you tempt your opponent into a challenge with a drop of the shoulder or hesitating on the ball, you can make them stretch out a leg in an attempt to slide tackle you, making a nutmeg easier.
Arguably the easiest player on the field to nutmeg is the goalkeeper. If you imagine you’re in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper, they will likely spread their body as much as possible, including their legs.
Slotting the ball under the goalkeeper, thereby through their legs, can deceive them when they’re trying to make themselves as big as possible because they’re predicting that you’ll shoot either side of them.
Should beginner players try to nutmeg an opponent?
There’s no harm in attempting a nutmeg if the stakes aren’t high. Ultimately, soccer is about creative expression and having fun.
Before attempting to nutmeg somebody, though, if you’re new to the game, you might want to build some confidence on the ball before you feel comfortable enough that it can be pulled off.
Nutmegging a player can take intuition, a ‘feel’ for the right moment. It’s not always simple to describe when the most opportune instances are to perform a nutmeg. Sometimes it’s just instinctive.
Soccer is a fast sport requiring lots of rapid reactions, and while it might be easy for us sitting at home watching our TV screens to say what soccer players should do or have done, you’re often not afforded the time to deliberate over your options in real-time.
If you’re intent on trying to nutmeg somebody, clever defenders will know the best ways to quell the threat and limit your chances of doing so, meaning you’ll need to either get creative or be patient.
How do you prevent nutmegs in soccer?
- Don’t face your opponent straight up – when a player pushes the ball past you for them to run onto, you’re more likely to be nutmegged if you are facing them directly. Instead, consider angling your body at your hips to one side, reducing the likelihood of the ball going through your legs and making it easier for your body to turn subsequently.
- Keep your legs together – this isn’t always the best method of defending because your opponent will be able to circumnavigate you easily on the outside if your body stance is awkward and narrow. However, your legs being closed should reduce your chances of being nutmegged.
- Try not to jump in – when you lunge to intercept the ball or challenge an opponent, your legs will naturally spread. Rather than doing this, try tracking the dribbler along their run, shepherding them to an unthreatening position, and waiting for them to make a mistake instead of you trying to force an unnecessary turnover of the ball.
- Cover your teammate – if an attacking player notices that there is a second defender behind the first defender, they’ll be less likely to attempt a nutmeg because of the increased risk of losing possession.
Recap: What is a nutmeg in soccer?
Being nutmegged can seem embarrassing at first, but recovering from it is more important than momentary ignominy.
It’s really not the end of the world if you do happen to be nutmegged. Similarly, performing a nutmeg on an opponent is only worthwhile if you or your teammate maintains possession or advances your position afterward.
Stay on the lookout for players attempting to embarrass you with a nutmeg by using the provided tips, but don’t let the fear of being nutmegged jeopardize your other defensive duties!