Playing soccer is a great way to have fun and get in shape. Whether you have played soccer for years or are just starting out, there is always something new to learn about the game. Keep reading for some great tips and tricks that can improve your game and make you a better player.
Never assume the play is over after you have passed the ball to a team member. Quickly find a position on the field where you are once again open and can help move the ball down the field. If the player is in need of assistance, they may pass you the ball in return.
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.
If it is getting crowded where you are, move the ball into open space. They ought to have a couple of seconds prior to the defense crossing the field, and this can lower the risk of depositing the ball in a dangerous zone.
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.
It is tough to control a lofted ball. Passes that are low are the best approach if a defender is in hot pursuit. Lofted balls are better for long passes through an empty area.
When passing the ball make sure that your heel is down and your toes are pointed upward. This allows you to use your foot like a putter. By practicing this technique often, it will soon come naturally when it is time to pass the ball to a teammate during an actual game.
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.
Make sure you are juggling the ball frequently so that you can improve your ball-handling skills. Juggling a soccer ball requires a lot of precision, and the only way to improve at this is practicing regularly. In addition, you should try improving other skills while juggling, such as passing, shooting, and trapping. For instance, juggle the ball some and then shoot the ball without allowing the ball to touch the ground.
Increase your reflex time by doing this exercise. Stand on a sturdy structure that is approximately three feet off the ground. Jump off the object and land in a squat position with both of your feet planted on the ground. Quickly stand up and run as fast as you can.
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.
An excellent idea for getting more soccer practice is to check out your local YMCA or community center. Many places offer a variety of intramural sports teams, and particularly if you live in a large community, you are likely to find a soccer team or soccer club with other enthusiasts such as yourself.
Every single teammate should practice these three things on a daily basis: dribbling, passing, and kicking. Some people claim practicing like this is boring, but it’s important to learn the basics. Show footage of pro players practicing so your players will understand how important it is.
To help your team develop good defensive skills, try practicing without a goalie. Inform each team that they are responsible for defending the goal by keeping the ball out of shooting range. By doing this for 30 minutes each day, the defensive skills on your team will expand exponentially.
Now that you have read this article, you can start to use these tips to become a better soccer player. When you play soccer, you are joining with millions of other people all over the world who also love the game. Remember the advice you have read here the next time you play soccer.