When you think of soccer, you may think of people running around a large court kicking a ball. However, understand that soccer is an extremely complex sport that requires determination and knowledge to succeed in being a great player. If you would like to learn more about the game of soccer, continue reading this article.
When you play soccer, you must communicate with your teammates. Communication between teammates is essential on the field. Professional soccer players know that team communication is key, and they use it to help win games.
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.
When shooting the ball, make sure you are not using your toes. Instead, use your laces when shooting the ball. To effectively shoot the ball, point your toes down and strike the ball with the laces on your kicking foot. Be sure that your toes are pointing down, but they are not touching the ground.
When shooting a penalty kick scrutinize the goalie. Find an open spot that he does not have guarded and kick using the inside of your foot. Keep your non kicking foot close to the ball and your body over the ball. Then with your eyes on the ball, kick forcefully.
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.
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.
One of the most important things when it comes to soccer is speed. There are many ways to learn how to run faster, one of the easiest ways to increase your speed is to add 5 pound weights to each ankle while running your drills. By running with weights, you will be able to run much faster once the weights are removed.
Take the time to learn trapping. Keep in mind that this skill will be crucial to use for stopping the ball. Practicing how to trap and quickly get the ball rolling under your control again is very important.
The push pass or side foot pass is a great strategy for your short passes. By using the largest area of your foot, better accuracy is provided, and power is less of an issue here as well. This is a very basic pass and must be second nature to a great soccer player.
Always understand that you must be one step ahead of the game. For example, say you’re setting yourself up to receive the ball. What are you planning on doing with the ball? It’s going to have much to do with the game developing. You have many options, including turning and shooting, shielding the ball, immediately passing and more.
Ask parents to buy their own soccer balls for their children. This way, your players can practice at home. You should have extra balls available in case someone forgets theirs. You may even have players who forget run a little extra.
Drink a sports drink with carbohydrates and electrolytes before a game in order to keep your hydration level up. Why? Well, take into account that during a regular 90 minute soccer game, you are running at different speeds, including sprints, up to six miles each game. Six miles produces a lot of sweating and loss of those electrolytes and fluids.
Set the ground rules before your first practice. By informing your players what is expected of them and what the consequences for not following directions are, you can help set boundaries that your team must follow. This allows your players to understand what is expected from them at each practice.
Have fun. First and foremost, if you want to become good at soccer, you need to enjoy playing. Professional soccer players don’t get to where they are by forcing themselves to do something they hate. They take a love of the game and use it as a foundation to build into a career.
You likely now realize that soccer involves much more than you originally thought. In order to become an excellent soccer player, you must be aware of numerous strategies. Because you read this article, you are now educated on these strategies. Use these strategies and try playing soccer yourself. You just may fall in love with the game.
