If you play soccer, it is likely that you want to do all you can to improve your game. If you are new to soccer but would like to try it, then you likely want to know some advice on how to play. Fortunately, this piece has all you need to know about the game of soccer.
Always be ready to receive the ball. You should be focused on the ball at all times and try predicting whom the player will pass it to. Predicting what a player does will become easier as you get used to playing with the same team. Ask for the ball if you are in the best position.
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.
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.
When it comes to learning penalty kicks, practice makes perfect. Practice one type of kick until it becomes second nature and then move on to the next type of kick and practice it until it too becomes second nature. Continue practicing different kicking styles until you have at least 6 kicks that you can use when kicking a penalty kick.
When shooting the ball, make sure you are not using your toes. Instead, use your laces when shooting the ball. To effectively shoot the ball, point your toes down and strike the ball with the laces on your kicking foot. Be sure that your toes are pointing down, but they are not touching the ground.
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.
For a successful game, you need to communicate with your teammates. This is your best weapon for success. If you seen an opening, make sure that the player with the ball knows it too. Know the terms to yell so that you and your teammate both understand what to do. You might encourage your teammate to get through a couple defenders to receive the pass by using the term “through” for example.
It is never a good idea to hog the ball when you are playing soccer, but being selfish is sometimes quote necessary. If you find that you are constantly in a position to make a great shot, there is no reason why you should fail to take advantage of that.
It is vital to learn the proper kicking technique. There is more to kicking a soccer ball than just simply kicking it. Kick the ball’s bottom to make it go high up in the air. Go under the ball, as if your foot were a wedge, and kick it up while you lean backwards.
Make sure that each soccer goal is appropriately padded to help avoid head injuries should a player come in contact with the pole during a game. Also, forbid your players from crawling under or onto a goal. This could cause the goal to fall on the player, which could result in a severe injury.
To help your team develop good defensive skills, try practicing without a goalie. Inform each team that they are responsible for defending the goal by keeping the ball out of shooting range. By doing this for 30 minutes each day, the defensive skills on your team will expand exponentially.
It’s important to wash goalie gloves properly. To begin, soak the gloves in hot water that has had a little soap added to it for approximately one hour. Then, rinse your gloves thoroughly. Follow up by wringing them out and laying them with the palm side down so they can dry.
Use your weak foot to kick. If you only practice with your dominant foot, your weak foot will be a liability during a game. You can even pass to a wall for some help. Players that can use both feet extremely well are not only rare but needed.
Keeping possession of the ball is crucial. You can’t score a goal for your team if you don’t have the ball. This means learning how to shield the ball from the opposing team until you have the chance to go for a goal or pass to a teammate. Watch video of professional soccer players and see how they shield against different types of approaches.
As you can see, improving your soccer skills does not have to be difficult. Put these great soccer tips into good use so that you can become a better soccer player and better enjoy playing this great game. You will certainly impress your family and friends with your newfound skills.
