There is no way to quantify the immense popularity enjoyed by the sport of soccer in countries the world over. However, that is not to say that some folks could not use a bit of education when it comes to the basics of soccer and tips on how to play better. The article below is here to help.
You should choose your cleats in function of your level. If you are just starting out, choose cleats made from synthetic materials or plastics. Pros should choose screw-in cleats made of metal, usable on all sorts of fields.
Look for numerical advantage on the field. You want to pass the ball to a player who is near others from your team rather than a player who is surrounded by defenders. Talk to your team about this strategy and encourage them to form groups in an empty area so you can easily gain a numerical advantage.
Watch soccer games on TV. You can learn a lot by paying attention to the way professional players play. Pay attention for patterns, strategies and team work. Professional players usually display a few tricks if they get an occasion but you should not try reproducing these tricks until you are more comfortable with the game.
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.
Be patient. When you least expect it, something will open up on the field. Just keep passing the ball and see what happens. If you try to rush something, you are much more likely to make a mistake or transfer custody of the ball. If you take your time, you are much more likely to be successful.
While it is important for soccer players to work on a regular basis, you should make sure to take a day off at least once a week. You need to take some time off to allow your tissue to rebuild. Once your day of rest has passed, you can resume your regular schedule.
Always wear the correct shoes when you play soccer. Football cleats and golf shoes won’t cut it. Improper footwear will not only affect your game, it will increase the chances of injuring yourself or others.
Increase your reflex time by doing this exercise. Stand on a sturdy structure that is approximately three feet off the ground. Jump off the object and land in a squat position with both of your feet planted on the ground. Quickly stand up and run as fast as you can.
When shooting the soccer ball, use only the front part of your foot. If you use your toes or the inside or outside of your shoes, your shot will not be as powerful or as directed as it should be. Practice this shooting technique until it becomes second nature.
You should not just practice the game. You should also ensure you are constantly visualizing yourself practicing, even when you are not. When you are sitting on the couch, think about dribbling the ball. While lying in bed, imagine shooting the ball towards the net. With visualization, you will become more familiar with all the aspects of soccer, which will further improve your skills.
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.
Succeeding with your team relies heavily on communication. This is the best weapon you have in the game. Once an open spot is found, make sure the player with the ball is told. Use soccer terms to let your teammate know what you plan to do. For example, “through” will tell your teammate that you’re going to move between two opponents to receive his pass.
Learn your passing skills well to succeed at soccer. Use the inside arch of your foot for the most accuracy. For short passes, keep the ball low by hitting it near the center of the ball. For longer passes, with more power, hit the ball lower and follow through fully.
You should try your best to stay very light and bouncy on your feet when you are out on the soccer field. Even though it may seem to you like it makes more sense to be aggressive, this is the best way for you to keep total control over the ball.
Soccer is a sport that has long been adored by millions upon millions of folks around the world. Fortunately, even those who have yet to learn its fine points can find assistance to get started enjoying the game. The above information should serve as a useful reference for anyone just beginning their own soccer journey.
