You love the sport of soccer, or you wouldn’t be reading this article. No matter where you are as far as skill, you have new things to learn. You can always get better, and you are about to read some very helpful information. Hopefully, you learn a thing or two that you can take to the field.
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.
Communication is very important on the soccer field. Using short words or phrases, like “turn,” can help you and your teammates play a more cohesive game. In particular, being verbal as the pace of the game picks up can really help you to “play smarter” and eventually win the game.
Recognize that how you pass the ball to someone else has meaning. For example, a hard pass indicates a sense of urgency, and it may tell the player that someone is coming up on them. A soft pass often indicates that you want the player to retreat toward you a little. There is much you can say on the field, even without words.
A good move to practice is the Outside Elastico. When you are on the flanks, the Outside Elastico is a great way to cut back to the inside. Practice it by placing a shoe or bag on the ground. Step back five steps from the object you use. Start by dribbling in the direction of the cone. As you get closer to the cone, tap the ball outside then tap it in quick motion back to the inner part. Touching the ball outside tricks the other players. Remember that the second touch should be bigger than the first one.
To build stamina, off-season distance running is a great idea. In one game, you may run as many as eight miles. By running every day, you train the body in terms of stamina and endurance as well as speed.
You should try making a decision on your next move before you even receive the ball. If you see that a player is about to pass you the ball, assess your situation quickly. Try finding another player you can pass the ball to and pay attention to where defendants are.
Learn to dribble effectively. To keep the ball in control at all times, keep the ball close to you and gently tap the ball using the inside and outside of your feet. Keep your eyes on the ball for best results and protect the ball by using your body to keep opponents away.
Practice kicking the soccer ball with every part of your foot. When you dribble fast, you most likely will use your instep and front of your foot. You have to use the outsides and the insides of your feet if you want to be a better dribbler. You will be able to maintain control while cutting the soccer ball away from the pressure when defensive players are near.
If you are playing goalie, talk to your defensive players, particularly during corner attacks. If you see an attacker to the side of your goal, your best possible position is against the actual post, standing as tall as you can. Make sure a defender is covering any center area, just in case.
You should ensure you are constantly practicing your dribbling skills. Dribbling a soccer ball is the main fundamental in soccer, much like dribbling a basketball is the main fundamental in basketball. Therefore, you should be constantly dribbling a soccer ball anytime you can. Dribble down your neighborhood, in your yard, or in your home, alternating feet every time.
Soccer is a game that requires a lot of concentration. If your concentration is broken during a game, you will make many mistakes. Therefore, practice concentration drills so that your focus is improved. Having said this, understand that not all drills work for everyone. Some people learn visually, while others learn more from hearing. The key is finding the concentration drill that works for you. By doing so, you will notice your soccer skills dramatically increase.
There are all different types of soccer shots, and you should try your best to use a variety of them. It may seem practical for you to use standard shots a lot of the time, but there are other times where it may be necessary to make a chip shot, inside shot, or some other type of shot.
Make sure you take full advantage of every second you spend on the field to improve your soccer playing technique. Don’t waste time during training. You are there to work on your technique, train, and make practice. Maximize your time by resisting the tendency to use training time socializing and playing around.
Now that you’ve read these tips and tricks, it’s time to put them into action! Consider what you’ve been told, and think about how you can use that advice to help propel your game out there on the soccer field. Always remember there is room for improvement, and it’s time for you to shine.
