Knowing how to play soccer is one thing, but continuing to learn more skills is how you make progress with your game. This article is here to discuss some major tips that you can take with you to the soccer field. Think about the following advice, and use it to better your game.
Your proficiency at the game of soccer should dictate the type of shoe cleats you purchase. Plastic and synthetic cleats should be used for beginners. However, if you have been playing for a while, metal cleats will suit your skill level more.
When you get the ball in soccer, make sure to play it quickly. You need to get and give the ball quickly in just a couple touches. If you hold on to it too long, you increase your chances of losing it. Even if you don’t lose it, holding it too long can destroy an attack and provide an opportunity for the other team to get back on defense.
Make some firm passes if you want to get a reaction from other players. Firm passes are easier to control and let other players know that it is time to take action. A soft pass is a good way to draw a player into the game but is too risky if you are under pressure.
Avoid colliding with other players at all costs. Anticipate where the opponent so you can prevent contact. This technique helps you maintain control of the ball, as well as reducing your chances of getting injured.
An Outside Elastico is a very important move for any soccer player. When you are on the flanks, the Outside Elastico is a great way to cut back to the inside. You will need something to represent your opponent’s position like a cone. Step back five times. Start to dribble towards it. When you start closing in on your cone, try taking a little touch outside and quickly touching the ball to the inside again. It is the outside touch which tricks the opponent. Understand that the second touch should always be larger than the first.
When teaching your kids how to play soccer, make sure they learn how to dribble. Many learn by simply kicking the ball ahead and chasing after it, but this doesn’t provide any control and allow the opponent to steal it. Have them run slow and use different parts of their feet to maintain the ball in front of them. Teach them to stop it on one spot with a gentle tap down on the top of the ball when dribbling to set it up for a pass.
Before each soccer match, make sure you take the time to do some pregame warm-ups and stretching. By following this pregame ritual, you will decrease your chances of sustaining a connective tissue injury. By providing additional blood flow to your muscles, tendons and ligaments, warm-ups and stretching increases your body’s flexibility. Your lower body should be the focus of your stretching exercises.
Strength training is an important part of any soccer players practice. For effective strength training concentrate on your thigh and calf muscles along with your core muscles. Core muscles help you maintain balance while your thigh and calf muscles help you kick harder and farther than opponents who do not strength train.
Anyone who is serious about playing soccer should develop good eating habits. Your diet should include lots of lean proteins along with a variety of fruits and vegetables. By incorporating lean protein in your diet, you will help build strong healthy muscles that are required for kicking the ball accurately.
Be sure you are focusing on your weaknesses. Your game of soccer is only as good as your weakest technique. If your weakness is accuracy, then line up several balls in a row and continue shooting balls into the net. On the other hand, if your weakness is trapping, get someone to throw balls to you repeatedly. By improving the areas you are weakest at, you will notice your skills increase substantially.
Always set goals for yourself when trying to improve your soccer skills. You should make sure you set both short-term and long-term goals. Of course, like any other goals, you want them to be achievable; however, you should also ensure they are difficult enough so that you push yourself. By having specific goals to work for, you are more likely to succeed in improving yourself.
Surely you now feel much better with the acquired soccer knowledge from this article. You can now get out there on the soccer field and have fun utilizing the tips that have been described. No matter how far you go with your passion for soccer, learning the necessary skills will help you have much more fun.
