Are you interested in playing soccer but do not think you would be any good at it? Perhaps you are already a player and need to improve your skills. Review this piece for terrific advice for players of all skill levels. Your play doesn’t have to remain stagnant any longer.
Make sure to buy plenty of protective gear if you plan on playing soccer. Thick socks are a good investment since they help prevent cramps and blisters. Shin guards are a good buy, and you should never play soccer without them. They will protect you from injuries caused by kicks and falls.
When you are considering new cleats, take into account your level of playing ability. Cleats made of plastic and other synthetics are great for beginners. Pros should choose screw-in cleats made of metal, usable on all sorts of fields.
Don’t think that because you passed the soccer ball you cannot help with the play. Follow behind the person whom you passed the ball to and find a good position where you can aid in moving the ball down the field. A great player will pass it back to you if they need assistance.
Use the inside of the foot to kick the ball if accuracy is your concern. Long passes require the use of the front part of your foot, near the laces. Kicking with your laces allows you to kick more powerfully.
Don’t be the soccer mom who makes all the other parents cringe and all of your child’s teammates ridicule him or her at school. Support the decisions of the referee and do not shout instructions from the sidelines or run out onto the playing field to consult with the ref or instruct your child.
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.
Rushing to the goal is very tempting but you need to make sure you have some backup first. Do not mount an attack unless you have at least one player on each side. You need to save the ball with a quick pass to one side in case too many defenders close in on you.
Try using the sides of the field. If there are lots of people in the center of the field, it makes it harder to play in that area. Using the wing-men on your team can exploit the sides. Penetrate these areas and send the ball to the center so that your teammate can finish the play. Make sure to avoid knocking the ball out of bounds.
When kicking a long kick to a teammate, approach the ball at a 35 degree angle. This allows you to fully use your kicking leg at full force. Use your arms to help you keep your balance while placing your non kicking foot directly beside the ball. Keep the ball close to the ground for best results.
It is important for you to train in order to get in the best shape to play soccer, but make sure that you do not put your body through more than it can handle. Instead of making things better, this may wear your body down and negatively affect the way you play.
Try practicing with soccer players who have better skills than you. Although it is more fun to be the best player on the field, this is not challenging you to improve. By playing with better soccer players, you will be more challenged to improve your skills. Therefore, put your ego aside and challenge yourself.
When you are coaching soccer, it is important that you give all of the players equal attention. If you stop someone from playing because they are not that good, there will be no way for them to improve. Allow them to play, then meet with them after to give them a critique.
While it may seem that soccer is less physical than football, that is simply not true. Don’t be afraid to run into someone. Getting physical doesn’t mean you’re playing a dirty game. Purposely kicking another player is dirty, but rough play isn’t. Get over any fear of getting physical. Avoid injury by always wearing protective equipment.
When it comes to soccer, it is vital that you know how to properly communicate with your teammates. Soccer is certainly not a one-man show. It requires proper teamwork in order to win, and good teamwork requires great communication. Therefore, make sure you and your teammates practice ways to better communicate with one another.
Now that you’ve got the information, you don’t have to fret about improving your soccer skills. Use these tips to improve your skills and win games. Everyone loves winning and, with your newly-acquired skills, you’ll be winning a lot more often!
