When many people think of sports, they usually think about basketball, football, and baseball. However, soccer is a very fun sport that is similar to all three of these sports. Regardless of whether or not you have played this game, this article is certain to be of assistance. By reading below, you will learn some great strategies on how to be a top-notch soccer player.
In order to become a good soccer player, you need to learn how to dribble. To properly dribble, keep your head down so you can see what you are doing, but still keep an eye on your opponent. Also, keep the ball near your feet at all times. Do this by using the outside and inside of your foot to carry the ball.
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.
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.
If you dribble as if you’re going in another direction, you are should be able to trick a defender. As the defender follow you, switch sides and go the other way. This can help you get by any defender.
Cross the ball the same way for a few plays. The other team will think you are going to repeat it over and over again. Then, you can take them by surprise and glean some extra seconds when you either don’t cross or cross going the other way.
To play well, fitness is key. Playing a good game of soccer will be much harder if you are overweight. Watch the amounts and types of foods you eat to make sure that the diet you are eating is perfectly healthy.
When practicing dribbling set up an obstacle course. This course can be made by using plastic cones placed approximately two feet apart. Then weave in and out the obstacle course using your dribbling technique. This practice will teach you how to weave around other players while maintaining control of the ball.
Run three miles each day to keep you in top cardiovascular shape. Your cardiovascular system needs to be in shape since you have to run a lot when playing soccer. Running several miles per day will give you greater stamina and endurance. Run on different paths to make it more interesting.
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.
You must learn to stay focused as much as possible. Losing focus causes breaks for the other team, and one good break secured with a goal can change the pace of a game and put the other team on top. Fewer points are scored in soccer, and focus should always be a part of your strategy so you can help your team effort.
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 training for and playing soccer, make sure you actually enjoy yourself and have fun. You can get so wrapped up in working on your technique and form that you forget to just play. You love this game, and you don’t want to lose all the joy it can bring. So focus on the fun, and you’ll end up playing a lot better in the long run.
Make sure that the only time you dribble is when there is a clear reason for you to do so. You should do it to prepare for a shot, make room to pass or try to get in a cross. You should not dribble just for the sake of doing it.
As you have seen, soccer can be an extremely fun sport for everyone. If you are getting tired of playing the same sports, consider trying out soccer. Use the high-quality soccer advice provided in the above article so you will learn how to better play this sport and have fun while doing it.