Every athlete dreams of leading their team to victory. but it takes practice and skill to achieve that dream. Here are some soccer tips to help you as you strive to improve your game. Use these tips to expand your skill set and to become a valued member of your soccer team.
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.
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.
Be aware that the ball can come to you at any point in time. That means that you have to be ready to receive it, or you risk having possession of the ball transferred to the other team. If you are constantly on the move, and filled with energy, the other team will have to step up their game to match your enthusiasm.
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.
To keep the other team guessing, cross the ball in exactly the same pattern for a few plays. The other team will detect the pattern and organize themselves to try to anticipate it. When you cross the ball the next time, you’ll gain an advantage by taking them by surprise.
When playing a game of soccer, make sure to stay focused. Do not forget that the game isn’t finished until the referee says it is. Don’t get lost in the moment because your team is ahead or because there isn’t much time left in the game. Scoring a goal in the final minute of the game may make or break games or championships.
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.
Learn from players who are better than you are. This will allow your abilities to become better honed so your skills can improve. Ask any questions you may have and take in as much information as possible. Soccer players enjoy helping each other since they are team-oriented people. If there are no experienced players in your area, check out other clubs and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
While it may seem that soccer is less physical than football, that is simply not true. Do not worry about running into anyone. Getting physical doesn’t always equal dirty play. Purposely kicking a player is dirty, but physical play in general is not. Get over any fear of getting physical. Keep your legs always protected with soccer pads.
When you’re playing soccer, try to focusing on keeping your head up as much as possible. You’ll have a better idea of what is going on around you and what your next best move is if you keep your head up instead of looking down at the ball and your feet all the time.
When you’re getting ready to make a soccer shot, decide which technique is right for the situation. If accuracy is key, go with a side foot shot so you’ll get it right in the spot you’re aiming for. However, if you need to have a lot of power behind it, then you’re better off using an instep shot.
Now that you have read up on these soccer tips, take the time to practice them. Practice is vital to perfecting any skill. Join your friends, grab a ball and start practicing today. practice as often as you can. then when game time comes, you will be ready, willing and able to be a part of a winning team.
