The game of soccer can be one of the most fun sports out there. Unfortunately, because it is not as popular as other sports, there is not as much knowledge about this sport circulating. You want to improve your game, but you are not sure how to do it. Thankfully, the below article will provide you with the knowledge needed to properly play the game.
Never assume the play is over after you have passed the ball to a team member. Instead, trail the teammate you passed the ball to in order to find the best position for you to assist him. A great player will pass it back to you if they need assistance.
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.
Ask yourself what you can do to help your team. If you are one of the most skilled players on the field, take the lead and act as a play maker. If other players are more skilled and experienced than you, you can be a lot more useful by supporting them.
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.
If you have the ball and you see open space, move toward it. You want to bring a defender in toward you, so that the field opens up for one of your teammates. As the defender gets closer, pass the ball to someone who is in a better position than you. Hopefully, they will score!
Your entire team should be committed to moving the ball across the field as often as possible. This will help space to open up and will give your team a better chance of scoring a goal. If your team is struggling to do this, watch footage of professional soccer teams. It should give you an idea of what you need to be doing.
Soccer is a team sport so it is important to cooperate with your team to work as one unit, instead of single players. If someone is open, pass the ball. Trying to do it all can end up hurting your team, and essentially losing the game. Working together as a team is the best way to win games.
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 to practice playing soccer at home in your free-time, not just during practices. Doing drills and practicing handling the ball will help you when it is time for games. Putting a net in your yard to practice shooting goals can be very helpful to perfect that tricky shot.
If you are a goalie, you must learn to stay low. By learning to stay low and balanced, you will be able to block most shots. Be ready to lunge toward either side of the goal. This is best accomplished by spreading your legs approximately shoulder width apart and then lunging toward the ball when it is kicked.
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.
Good soccer uniforms are part of any successful team. When choosing soccer uniforms, look for one made of quality materials. Soccer is a contact sport, so you should look for jerseys that will withstand the constant abuse. Always think in terms of what will last along with the comfort level of your players.
It is never a good idea to hog the ball when you are playing soccer, but being selfish is sometimes quote necessary. If you find that you are constantly in a position to make a great shot, there is no reason why you should fail to take advantage of that.
Soccer is an extremely fun sport if you are knowledgeable about it. Do not let this sport intimidate you any longer. Use the excellent advice provided to you so that you can become a soccer pro and have fun playing this game. Get your friends and family on board so that everyone can have fun with soccer.