Part of being a great soccer player is developing your skill set. It helps to have a variety of skills to be able to use during the game. The more you know, the better you will be. So here are some useful tips to help you become a better soccer player.
New soccer cleats must fit properly. The shoes should be snug with good arch support. The cleats must also allow free movement of your ankles. The wrong cleats may lead to injury.
Do not assume that you are out of the play once you pass the ball. Follow the ball around and get yourself into position where you might be able to receive the ball again. A great player will pass it back to you if they need assistance.
It is best to pass the ball as soon as a defender closes in on you. Hold on to the ball until you can no longer safely advance, and then pass the ball to another teammate. Your teammate will have a chance to make a play before the defender catches them.
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.
When you play soccer, make sure that you make time to practice every day. Try to spend about an hour practicing. You can do this either by yourself, with some friends, or with your coach. This can help you better your form, strengthen your weaknesses and make you faster. One thing that many struggle with that you should practice is keeping the ball low. Just practice tapping it low, then gradually boosting the power.
Practice passing by placing two small cones approximately a foot apart. Kick the ball through the obstacles to help you learn to pass between opponents and get it to your teammate. As you get better at this passing technique go for longer passes and move the cones closer together.
To help you stay physically fit, run at least three miles daily. Your cardiovascular fitness is extremely important in a game like soccer that demands constant running. You improve your stamina and your endurance by running or jogging a few miles each day. Run in different places to avoid getting into a boring routine.
Try playing soccer indoors on occasion rather than outdoors. Playing indoors creates a smaller field. As a result, you will be forced to improve ball control and think on the spot faster. This results in better performance when you play outdoors again.
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.
Master the skill of the throw-in. This is one of the best chances to score a goal since the thrower has greater control over the ball. You must use both hands and the ball must go behind your head for a proper throw. This is a good time to use a strategic play to set up a player near the goal.
Make sure you take full advantage of every second you spend on the field to improve your soccer playing technique. Don’t waste time during training. You are there to work on your technique, train, and make practice. Maximize your time by resisting the tendency to use training time socializing and playing around.
Try not to stare at the ball. When you are playing soccer, you have to look up at all times. This is the only way you will be able to pass or shoot. This may seem very awkward, but you will get used to this as you keep playing the game.
Move around as much as possible. For example, lean left when you are going to move right. Use your arms since they can distract people that are attempting to keep you from passing or shooting.
Know how to choose a proper soccer ball. There is more to a soccer ball than meets the eye. For example, how the soccer ball is created plays a key role in how well the ball will move down the field or through the air. By learning about the different types of soccer balls, you can choose the one that is right for your field and team.
Now that you have just learned some new skills, take the time to practice them. Practicing is vital to being a better player. Share these tips with your teammates and practice them together. With a lot of practice and a little luck, you may just be on the way to a winning season.