When a person thinks of soccer, they just think of a bunch of people running around the field, kicking a ball. But, there is much more to soccer than these aspects of the game. Here, you are about to read some helpful soccer advice that may just tempt you to go out and play a game!
Do not hesitate to ask for the ball if you feel like you are in a good position. Some players tend to focus entirely on what is directly in front of them and forget to keep tack of where their team mates are. Draw their attention by waving your arms or asking for the ball.
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.
Always play the ball quickly. Regardless of the position you are in, you should think quickly and pass the ball to a player who is in a better position as soon as you can. Help the team build an attack by running forward and preparing yourself to get the ball again.
To become a great soccer player, you must be very active in the game. Join a local team and show up for all practices. Look into local soccer clubs you can join. Find out all you can about the history of the soccer clubs in your area. The better your skills, the better club you can apply to.
If you’re seeing too much action where you are with the ball, pass it to someone who isn’t surrounded by action. That will give them time as the defenders approach them to figure out what to do next.
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.
Get together with your team and work on specific strategies. Strategies will help your team to secure more goals during the match. For instance, have a strategy where the ball is crossed in one direction for a couple of plays, then alternated to the other side.
When you are in control of the soccer ball, you always want to make sure you shield it from the opposing players. Keep yourself in between the ball and the player attempting to steal it away. By not creating a shield, you leave the ball vulnerable to be stolen.
If your child is a player on a soccer team, stress to them that the most important part of the game is having fun. If you tell them that is is necessary for them to win all of the time, it will put unnecessary pressure on them, and this may have a negative impact on their performance.
Find a professional player who plays the same position you do and watch how he plays throughout a game. By mimicking the pro, you’ll naturally become a better player. Use a player’s signature moves as part of your game.
When shooting the soccer ball, use only the front part of your foot. If you use your toes or the inside or outside of your shoes, your shot will not be as powerful or as directed as it should be. Practice this shooting technique until it becomes second nature.
If you are trying out for a soccer team, it is very important that you play your best and try to impress the coaches. While there is nothing wrong with having a signature move, you should only use it if you know that it will be executed perfectly, otherwise it will make you look bad.
Learn how to receive a fast moving ball by developing soft receive footwork. This type of footwork cushions the blow when a ball is passed hard to you. By softening the blow, you can regain control of the ball quickly. If, however, you receive the ball with a stiff foot, the ball will generally be knocked further away from you.
As you can tell from the article above, soccer is more than players kicking the ball to one another across a big field. There are many aspects of the sport that when learned, can turn an amateur into a pro. Put the tips above to good use whenever you next feel like playing soccer.
