Finding your way into the world of soccer can be such a great experience. You are already interested in soccer, or else you wouldn’t be here. In order to better your game, you need to find out the necessary skills and knowledge. To become a greater soccer player, read on.
Don’t take the ball towards the goal unless you’re in an ideal position. If you are blocked from advancing the ball, search for an open teammate that can help you advance the ball. Pass them the ball right away instead of trying to run to the goal by yourself.
To make the transition from receiving the ball to directing it more fluid, don’t trap or stop the ball completely. Instead, as the ball approaches, aim to make contact with the top or middle of the ball then tap it in the direction you want it to go and continue to maneuver down the field.
Make sure you are constantly switching the ball back and forth in the game. Just release pressure via switching the ball to one side of the field. This betters your chances of finding open spots on the field and increases the amount of space for you to execute a plan. It draws the other team to one side of the field while you quickly switch the ball to the other side when they target you.
The best players find every opportunity to practice their skills. Take a soccer ball along with you no matter where you are and when you get a free period, try doing some drills. You will be able to just practice dribbling the ball if you’re needing to walk to a place.
Few players know how to control lofted balls. Make low passes, whipping the ball when you need to pass because defenders are nearing. Lofted balls can be used if you’re trying to pass to someone that’s far away in an empty space.
You will need to focus on using all sides of your feet to be a good soccer player. It is natural when quickly dribbling to want to use the instep and front of your foot. In order to get better, you have to know how to use each side of both of your feet. This technique enables you to direct the ball in a direction away from any defensive pressure and gives more control.
Make sure that you stretch both before and after a soccer game or practice. Running up and down the field combined with kicking the ball, can put a lot of stress on your muscles. Stretching can help you to avoid injuries on the field while you are playing and prevent you from being sore after the game.
When passing the ball make sure that your heel is down and your toes are pointed upward. This allows you to use your foot like a putter. By practicing this technique often, it will soon come naturally when it is time to pass the ball to a teammate during an actual game.
When shooting the ball, make sure you are not using your toes. Instead, use your laces when shooting the ball. To effectively shoot the ball, point your toes down and strike the ball with the laces on your kicking foot. Be sure that your toes are pointing down, but they are not touching the ground.
When making a shot remember that wider is better than higher. Wide shots cause the goalie to really stretch. If you can manage to shoot a wide shot that is close to the ground, you will most likely score because the goalie will need to stretch and will not have good control over his body.
Talk with your teammates during a game. Nothing is worse than miscommunicating a play to your team that results in the other team getting the ball. If you are concerned that the other team may find out what play you will be using, set up code names for your different plays.
If your child is a player on a soccer team, stress to them that the most important part of the game is having fun. If you tell them that is is necessary for them to win all of the time, it will put unnecessary pressure on them, and this may have a negative impact on their performance.
Practice using your weaker foot. This can be done alone by kicking the ball against the wall or with your team. For an interesting game, have everyone on your team to split into two teams. The only rule is that all dribbling and shooting must be done with the weaker foot. By practicing with the weaker foot, you will soon be able to shoot as equally well with your weaker foot as your stronger foot.
With all of this soccer intel, you are ready to put it to work on the field! Keep in mind that dedication to the sport and practice are the two biggest keys. Know everything that was gone over here so you’re able to do that much better the next time you play soccer.
