Many people aspire to play or follow one sport or another, but they find it can be hard. Different sports require different skills, have different rules, and have different nuances. It can take time to figure out all the ins and outs of a given sport. If you’ve always wanted to be a soccer expert but didn’t know how to go about it, this article can help.
Remember that you have a role on the team, whether you are a natural play maker or not. Some people simply make things happen on the field. If you do not have that talent, you can act as a support to those that have different skills than you do. Figure out what your role is and play to your strengths.
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.
It is important to strategize and work together as a team both in practice and in games. All teammates should know when the teammate dribbling the ball is going to cross over, allowing teammates to be in the right area to receive the ball. For instance, you could cross each ball towards the right during a couple of plays, and the third time go to the left.
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.
Increase your reflex time by doing this exercise. Stand on a sturdy structure that is approximately three feet off the ground. Jump off the object and land in a squat position with both of your feet planted on the ground. Quickly stand up and run as fast as you can.
Watch televised soccer games to find a few cool moves to incorporate into your repertoire. Watch the play over and over until you have learned exactly how to perform the move. Then, go outside and begin practicing it. After you have practiced for thirty minutes, come back inside and watch the move again noting any changes you need to make to your practice.
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.
Never act selfish on the soccer field. If you are very far away from the goal, it may be a good idea for you to pass the ball to someone that is closer. It may seem like an easy shot, but it may be a bit easier for a teammate to make the shot.
Learn your passing skills well to succeed at soccer. Use the inside arch of your foot for the most accuracy. For short passes, keep the ball low by hitting it near the center of the ball. For longer passes, with more power, hit the ball lower and follow through fully.
In order to get better at anything, including your soccer skills, you need to be committed to making steady progress. Rather than focusing on any one set back or loss, keep focused on your overall development over time. If you lose a game, learn what you can from it and turn it into an opportunity to make positive change.
Work on decreasing your weaknesses instead of increasing your strengths when it comes to soccer. Although this seems counter productive, it will actually help you improve your game. By working on improving your weaknesses, you will learn how to improve your strengths by using the techniques you learned when improving your soccer weaknesses.
Instead of just training one foot to be strong, both feet need to be paid attention to. The stronger your feet, the more versatile you will be in the game. You will be able to move better, have a great choice of shots and be a huge asset to the team.
The correct way to trap a ball is using the sole of your foot or your instep. Be sure to learn this. You are going to have to use this skill from time to time to stop the soccer ball. To effectively trap the ball and then turn to controlled play is a vital skill
Now that you know more about it, you’re more comfortable with the subject of soccer. Whether you want to start playing, become a better player, or just be the best fan you can be, you should now be able to do it. Keep these tips in mind as you go about enjoying this great sport.
