This article is for anyone who wants to learn about soccer. If you’re reading this article, it’s safe to assume you want to be a better soccer player. The following paragraphs are bound to help you. Keep reading to learn more about taking your game to a new level.
The part of the ball you kick is crucial in soccer. If you kick too high on the ball, it is not going to go very far. On the other hand, kicking the bottom of the ball will just make it go high in the air. It is best to aim for the middle.
It is against the rules to use any part of your hands or arms, from shoulder to fingertips, to control a soccer ball that is in play. You can use your feet, knees, thighs, stomach, chest and head. Be careful though. A head shot can hurt and you cannot control the ball well with your knees.
Switch the ball from one side to the other if you are trying to get away from a defender. Kick the ball with the inside of your foot and try gaining speed so you can escape the defender. Shield the ball with your body if the defender catches up to you.
Always look for an easy pass you can make to a player who is open. Do not try passing the ball to the best player on the team if they are not in a good position. Do not hesitate to make a pass to an inexperienced player if they are wide open.
Try using the element of surprise on your opponents. Try not to make your moves so obvious. For example, try putting the ball near the back of the previous defending line while your teammate runs to receive your assistance. Then, try changing your running rhythm, starting quick until your opponent comes at you, then stopping. They’ll stop too, which gives you time to increase your pace again, so that they’re left anchored.
You should feel comfortable about pointing out issues to the other members of your team, even if you recently joined the team. Suggest some new strategies or draw their attention to mistakes you noticed. A team can usually benefit from a fresh perspective on the strategies and habits they have adopted.
When you are in control of the soccer ball, you always want to make sure you shield it from the opposing players. Keep yourself in between the ball and the player attempting to steal it away. By not creating a shield, you leave the ball vulnerable to be stolen.
Play with someone more experienced than you. It is one of the best ways to learn how to be better. By watching their style, you can mimic aspects of it in your own game. You may not even realize what you are doing in some cases, as you can pick things up without even trying in many cases.
Do a three mile run daily to stay in good cardiovascular shape. When you are playing soccer you continuously run up and down the field, so it is important that you have the stamina for this. Build stamina by running at least three miles each day. To keep your running routine from getting boring, run in different locations.
Never act selfish on the soccer field. If you are very far away from the goal, it may be a good idea for you to pass the ball to someone that is closer. It may seem like an easy shot, but it may be a bit easier for a teammate to make the shot.
Your entire team should be practicing passing, kicking and dribbling every day. While it may get boring, these are the most important skills to be good at. Use films of soccer celebrities using those skills in order to understand why those skills are important.
Practice basic skills for at least 30 minutes per day. It is essential that the fundamental skills and movements are so ingrained into your mind and body that they are second nature. This means that during a game, you don’t have to think about them and you can focus on the needs of the moment and making that goal.
Don’t doubt yourself. Doubting yourself can ruin your game. If you tell yourself you can’t play soccer, it will become the truth. Always believe that you can achieve anything. You may not be very good at first or you may fail. That doesn’t really matter as long as you learn from your mistakes.
Make sure your head is up at all times on the field. It is good to practice this if it is hard for you. That includes times that the ball isn’t even near you. This lets you keep good track of your opponents’ location so that you are not ambushed. Obviously, it is important to know the ball’s location, but you should do this with your head up rather than down.
Have you found this advice useful and informative? Will you be able to use them in your game? Start using it right away! Use what you have learned here to improve your game on the field. There is still a lot to learn and many great techniques to discover.