Playing soccer is a great way to have fun and get in shape. Whether you have played soccer for years or are just starting out, there is always something new to learn about the game. Keep reading for some great tips and tricks that can improve your game and make you a better player.
If you are trying to shield the ball in the game, and you notice open space, do not be afraid to move toward it. Push the ball with the inside of your food. Doing so will allow for the most control. As you get better, you will find that you can cut back and forth with the ball, switching from the inside to the outside of your foot.
Always look to include the element of surprise against your opponent. Players that are good can figure out your moves and are going to predict what you’re doing. Try passing the soccer ball to the other side of the soccer field if your opponents are swiftly closing you in.
You need to make decisions quickly when you play. If you hesitate for a second, you are taking the risk to lose the ball. Making fast decisions will become easier as you practice and get to know the players on your team. Always scan the field to see what other players are doing even if you do not have the ball.
Don’t fall for flocking near the ball when everyone does. Many teams and players make this mistake. If your opponent has the ball, there only needs to be one other person there. If your teammate has it, let them have some space. Just make sure you have a player behind the person with the ball or the person that’s going to try to steal it.
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.
When making a shot remember that wider is better than higher. Wide shots cause the goalie to really stretch. If you can manage to shoot a wide shot that is close to the ground, you will most likely score because the goalie will need to stretch and will not have good control over his body.
There are three essential skills all soccer players must master. They are dribbling, shooting and passing. These skills can not be developed overnight. They require many hours of practice. By doing drills from a stationary position, a beginner can begin developing these three must-have skills. As a player becomes more proficient in these drills, add in some motion.
Anyone who is serious about playing soccer should develop good eating habits. Your diet should include lots of lean proteins along with a variety of fruits and vegetables. By incorporating lean protein in your diet, you will help build strong healthy muscles that are required for kicking the ball accurately.
Make sure you are juggling the ball frequently so that you can improve your ball-handling skills. Juggling a soccer ball requires a lot of precision, and the only way to improve at this is practicing regularly. In addition, you should try improving other skills while juggling, such as passing, shooting, and trapping. For instance, juggle the ball some and then shoot the ball without allowing the ball to touch the ground.
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.
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.
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.
It is very important for you to stay well hydrated before and after you play a game. While most coaches provide water for the team, you should always bring some along. You don’t want to take a chance on not getting any water and your body starts to become totally dehydrated.
Now that you have read this article, you can start to use these tips to become a better soccer player. When you play soccer, you are joining with millions of other people all over the world who also love the game. Remember the advice you have read here the next time you play soccer.
