Soccer is a game loved by people all across the world. It is perfect for players of all ages. It teaches cooperation and sportsmanship, and it is a great way to get in shape. If you are interested in learning more about soccer, the information that follows will help you get a better handle on the game.

When a defender is moving to you, pass the ball. Keep the ball if you can move forward safely, but pass it before the opposing team gets to you. Your teammate will have a chance to make a play before the defender catches them.

Try pushing the ball with the inside of your foot if you need to defend it. This will give you more control and make it hard for the defender to steal it from you. Use your entire body to shield the ball from the defender and look for another player you can pass the ball to.

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.

Learn how to freeze a defender. Doing this causes the defender that’s coming after you to stop in their tracks to figure out your next move, which gives you time to maneuver around the field. To do this, act like you’re going for a long kick or shot just before they reach you. If done correctly, they’ll either turn to a side to cease the fake motion or freeze to see what you’re doing next.

Try to fake out members of the other team by tricking them and dribbling in a different direction. The defender is going to follow you in the false direction, and then you can quickly change direction. This is a good way to bypass a defender.

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.

All of the different surfaces across your foot have a different purpose in the game of soccer. When you’re doing dribbles fast, you probably are going to be using the instep and front of the foot you lead with. You will improve your dribbling skills if you learn to use the outside and inside of your feet. This will allow you to stay in control of the ball regardless of where you are facing defensive pressure.

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.

If you love playing soccer but miss it during the off-season, you might like joining an indoor soccer team. Indoor soccer is played on a smaller field in an arena type setting and with less players. The indoor field allows games to be played despite whatever the weather might be.

Talk with your teammates during a game. Nothing is worse than miscommunicating a play to your team that results in the other team getting the ball. If you are concerned that the other team may find out what play you will be using, set up code names for your different plays.

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.

Soccer coaches do not need to give as much feedback as other sports’ coaches, so allow your players to be a bit ore independent. Once players are on the field, they need to make their own decisions about their plays, so allow them to do this without worrying about you interfering.

Whenever you practice playing soccer, aim to do your entire practice without stopping. That is because during an actual game, you will not be stopping very often. Therefore, soccer is a very exhausting game that requires you to be in top shape. By practicing long periods of time without stopping, you will get yourself in better shape so that you can improve your games.

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world for a reason. If you find yourself enamored with the game, hopefully the information included here gave you a better sense of what it is all about. Have fun with it in the future, whether your role is as a player, a coach or a spectator.