Does soccer’s popularity puzzle you? Is there anything you would like to know about soccer? Do you know the rules of soccer? If you answered yes to any of these questions, read on to expand your knowledge base about soccer.

Passing the ball is best done when defenders are closer to you. Keep the ball if you can move forward safely, but pass it before the opposing team gets to you. Your teammate whill have a couple seconds before the defender close in on their position.

You should look for ways to surprise the other team. The opposing team will quickly catch on to any patterns in your game. If defenders are rushing at you, move the ball behind you or to the opposite field side.

Always keep in mind that soccer is meant to be a team endeavor. Bear this in mind always. Playing just for the chance to gain your own glory will most likely backfire on you if you do not cooperate with your teammates. Instead, concentrate on the team. That means sacrificing goal opportunities if someone else has a better shot.

If you want more stamina, participate in long distance runs in the off-season. In one game, you may run as many as eight miles. Training by running long distances will improve your stamina, reducing the number of breaks that you need to take, and will result in your soccer game improvement.

Penalty Kicks

After soccer practice, spend a little time taking penalty kicks at the goal. That helps your brain focus. Try a few different kicks to use for penalty kicks and then keep practicing for the time when you need them.

Use the technique of surprise while playing soccer; it is an effective strategy. Dribble right and then pass left. The defender may not be expecting that, opening up the field for your teammates. While it may be surprising to your teammates, they will get used to your style of playing.

When you play in a game, you must maintain good communication with teammates. Talking to your teammates on the field during the game can help you all to work together as a team. Even people that play soccer professionally have to communicate if they want to get their games won.

If you want to work on soccer ball dribbling, practice it with a smaller ball, like a tennis ball. Although a tennis ball is much smaller than a soccer ball, this will help you adjust your feet better to control the ball. When you can easily achieve this, a soccer ball is bound to be that much easier to control.

Practice set plays if you want to improve you ability to make decisions. For example, practice taking direct shots and corner kicks with other teammates. When you practice plays like this frequently, you will make better decisions.

Soccer is very physical even though it is not as rough as football. Don’t fear running into someone. Playing a physical game is not the same as being a dirty player. Understand that actually aiming to kick an opponent is playing dirty; however, contact alone is not. If you are afraid of physical play, you need to face your fears. Protect your legs with soccer pads at all times.

Review your play and look for ways to improve. Maybe you always have the ball stolen from you. Watch how others dribble the ball and see what you are doing wrong. Do not hesitate to ask other players for tips on your dribbling.

Soccer Ball

Learn how to properly kick the ball. There is more to kicking a soccer ball than just simply kicking it. In order to launch the ball high you must strike it near the bottom. Get under the soccer ball when you kick it, and lean slightly backwards.

Practicing shooting with your non-dominant foot. If the opposing team always knows which foot is your strongest, you essentially give them an advantage to steal the ball. When you can kick with both feet, you will be a better player.

Always keep your body in motion. If you’re trying to lean the right way while going left, you’ll be able to trick a defender. Use arm movements to distract your opponent and prevent them from blocking your shots and passes.

As you can see, soccer isn’t such a mystery sport anymore. You need to know a little more about the great sport. Make use of these tips to improve your skills or simply be a more knowledgeable soccer viewer.