The basics for winning any sport is the same. It takes skills, practice and a desire to win. You also have to keep an open mind and continue to learn and adapt. Here are some new things for you to try to help you become a better soccer player and an asset to your team.
Ask yourself what you can do to help your team. If you are one of the most skilled players on the field, take the lead and act as a play maker. If other players are more skilled and experienced than you, you can be a lot more useful by supporting them.
Practice protecting the soccer ball from opponents. Use your body as a barrier between the ball and your opponent. Keep control of the ball by kicking it with the inside of your foot. While practicing, try dribbling the ball in a square while your opponent tries to get it away from you.
To become a great soccer player, you must be very active in the game. Join a local team and show up for all practices. Look into local soccer clubs you can join. Find out all you can about the history of the soccer clubs in your area. The better your skills, the better club you can apply to.
You can usually make a defender freeze for a few seconds by faking a shot. If you see a defender closing in on you, posture yourself as if you were about to kick the ball and make a long pass. The defender should stop and anticipate the pass you are faking.
Learn to stretch the defense. You can mount an attack efficiently by having your best player run with the ball while three to four players run alongside at a distance. The opposite team will have to use three to four of their defendants to cover all the runners and prevent passes.
Surprise can be a great help when you play soccer. Try dribbling to your right and then pushing a pass off to the left. This opens the playing field for your team and the defender won’t expect it. Even though your teammates might be shocked at first, soon enough they will understand how you play the game.
It is important for you to train in order to get in the best shape to play soccer, but make sure that you do not put your body through more than it can handle. Instead of making things better, this may wear your body down and negatively affect the way you play.
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.
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.
The slide tackle or slide challenge is something you do if you’re certain you’re going to win the battle for the ball. Otherwise, your concentration should be to remain on your feet. However, sometimes this slide tackle is a great option, especially if you’re defending against an opponent about to try and score.
One of the best things you can do to help prevent injuries is to buy the proper equipment that you will need to play soccer. This equipment includes soccer cleats that are fitted correctly to your feet. The best way to ensure that you are getting the proper size is to be fitted at a shoe store. The salesman will not only measure the length of your foot, he will also measure the width of your foot to ensure that you get the correct shoe for your type of foot.
When you are coaching soccer, you should avoid complication. Keep your coaching technique light, fun and simple. Be sure that you really are a good soccer player before you set yourself up to teach someone else. You will have a lot easier time of it, and your soccer team will take you more seriously.
Now that you have gained knowledge of new tricks to try, take to the field and practice. Take the time to master these new skills. Share them with teammates and practice your new skills together. Then when soccer season comes, you will be ready to face your toughest opponents and win.
