How much do you love the game of soccer? Do you wish that you could learn more so that you could become one of the greats? Whether you’re playing for fun or striving to be a star, you have passion and desire to become better. Keep reading to learn how you can do that.
When purchasing soccer cleats, make sure they fit well. They need arch support and the ability to fit them tight. As well, your ankles should move freely when wearing the cleat. If you pick up a pair of bad cleats, it could lead to an injury, so be careful with your selection.
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.
Switch the ball from one side to the other if you are trying to get away from a defender. Kick the ball with the inside of your foot and try gaining speed so you can escape the defender. Shield the ball with your body if the defender catches up to you.
It is tough to control a lofted ball. Pass low to ensure defenders can’t interfere. Lofted balls are best for when there is an open area.
You should work on your penalty kicks at the end of each practice. That way, your mind will be trained to really focus when the time comes to make a penalty kick. Learn a variety of different kicks to utilize during penalty kicks. Make sure you practice them thoroughly so that you can successfully perform them every single time.
Whenever possible, try to cross the ball. It can lead to some unexpected, positive consequences. For example, doing so could set up your teammate for the score or the ball could ricochet off another player and find its way into the goal. Just when the other team thinks they have you figured out, though, try dribbling in for the score.
Soccer is a team sport so it is important to cooperate with your team to work as one unit, instead of single players. If someone is open, pass the ball. Trying to do it all can end up hurting your team, and essentially losing the game. Working together as a team is the best way to win games.
When you are in control of the soccer ball, you always want to make sure you shield it from the opposing players. Keep yourself in between the ball and the player attempting to steal it away. By not creating a shield, you leave the ball vulnerable to be stolen.
It is very important for you to have intense workouts while you are in season, but slow things down once the season is over. Putting your body through such intense activity over the course of an entire year is enough to make your body experience some unnecessary wear and tear.
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.
If you are a parent or coach, never scream anything at a player while they have control of the ball. This may distract them and make them fumble a bit. The best thing to do is to allow them to make the pay, then encourage them to do better if it was not done well.
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.
Stick to your best moves when you’re trying out to join a soccer team. If you aren’t 100% sure that you are able to pull something off, don’t try it until you’re on the roster.
You must be in perfect coordination with your teammates in order to get through those tight defenses. Opponents will become confused if you and your teammates pass the ball quickly. Concentrate on the overall team effort and a strong passing game to make a breakthrough. Help out your teammate that’s also trying to do this.
Now that you know the information that has been discussed here, you are ready to take things to the next level with your soccer game. All you need to do is put the tips into practice so that you can find out how practice and dedication can enhance your efforts. Be sure that you never stop learning.
