Winning is what makes sports so exciting. However, winning doesn’t happen just because you wish for it. To become a great soccer player, the tips that follow will help. If you do, get a soccer ball and go outside to practice.
Do not take the ball toward the goal if you are not in an ideal position. When you are blocked, find a team mate that may be open for the winning shot. Rather than trying to take the glory for yourself, pass the ball to them as soon as you can.
Always keep your eyes open. If you are fortunate enough to get the ball, pass it to the person that you think can advance toward the goal, even if that is not you. Be selfless in order to help your team win. However, in order to follow this piece of advice, you have to be vigilant and know what is happening on the field at all times.
The Outside Elastico is a basic move to master. The goal of this maneuver is to quickly cut back in towards the field from the outer flanks. Start by practicing with a cone or shoe as a marker. Move five or so steps backward. Start dribbling in that direction. As you get closer to the cone you should make a touch that’s small on the outside and then back into the inside. Outside touching is the move that fools opponents. Know that you need to make the second touch larger than the one you did first.
Know that soccer is based on teamwork. Bear this in mind always. If you play for yourself, you will likely fall short. Mainly because you didn’t focus on the team aspect. Instead, you should keep the team in mind when playing. When you sacrifice your personal recognition, you help the entire team win.
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.
One thing you should always avoid when playing soccer is being a ball hog. When you act this way, it makes it less likely that your teammates will pass you the ball in the future. In turn, the coach may keep you on the bench for the majority of the season.
Become friends with your teammates. This will help you communicate which in turn will help move the ball down the field quicker and more efficiently. Use hand signals or phrases that the opposing team will not understand, but your friends will know exactly what you are talking about. This secret arsenal will help you successfully win the game.
When it comes to goal keeping, equipment is important. One of the most important pieces of equipment for a goalie is their gloves. These gloves not only help them catch the ball, but it also protects their wrists and fingers from injury. The gloves should be made of a heavy grade latex for best gripping and protection.
Develop stronger leg muscles. By developing strong leg muscles, you will not only be able to shoot harder, but you will also be able to protect yourself from many of the common soccer injuries such as a torn hamstring or torn achilles. Doing both strengthening and flexibility exercises will help protect your legs.
Keep up your confidence when you’re playing soccer. Success in soccer is as much in your head as it is in your feet. This is a mental game, and you are much more likely to succeed if you are confident an really believe you can win. When you’re ready to take a shot, be confident you’ll succeed rather than worrying about missing.
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.
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.
Now, you have what it takes to better your soccer game. Learning a new skill is great, but it’s not perfect until you’ve practiced it enough to be proficient. Practice these top skills with your friends, and even teach them what you now know. As a team, then, you can become very tough to beat.
