People from practically all ages can enjoy soccer. If you believe soccer is just a child’s game, you should learn more about it. Whether you have played all your life or have never touched a ball, this article will give you great information on getting started and advancing your game.

When a defender is rapidly approaching, pass the ball away. Maintain possession until you can safely pass it to a player. Your teammate will have some time to move before they are reached by defenders.

You have to know where the ball is all the time. This game is very fast and the ball is passed from a single player to the next in a flash. Goals due to lack of awareness can cost you the game.

If it is getting crowded where you are, move the ball into open space. There needs to be a couple seconds before those defenders cross and this can reduce the risk of losing the soccer ball when the area is crowded.

Take the opposing players by surprise whenever possible. Good players will notice the plays you make and predict them. If defenders are rushing at you, move the ball behind you or to the opposite field side.

Start long distance running in the off-season to boost stamina for soccer. A lot of soccer players run up to 8 miles when they’re in a typical game. By running every day, you train the body in terms of stamina and endurance as well as speed.

If you want to be on the primary soccer team, show some team spirit. You should never give up, use the entire field to attack and defend, and show everyone your winning attitude by helping your teammates. You need to prove to the coach that you’re devoted and will be an asset to the team.

To improve your dribbling skills, use a tennis ball to practice. Using a smaller ball hones your ability to constantly adjust with the feet while maintaining control As your foot work gets better, dribbling a soccer ball gets much easier.

When playing soccer, you should learn how to utilize every part of your foot. If you are quickly dribbling, then you are likely using the front of your foot at the instep. Practice using both the outside and the inside of each foot to improve your dribbling skills. This cuts the ball away from pressure so that you can control it no matter where defensive pressure is coming from.

You need to run for three miles a day to develop your cardio. Because soccer is a sport that requires constant running, it is important that you are as physically fit as possible. Your stamina and endurance will be boosted if you run three miles per day. To prevent boredom while running, aim to run in different areas.

Set plays should be practiced to improve the capability of decision making during games. For example, try corner kicks or direct shots with other players. By going over these plays regularly, you’ll be able to figure out what works during game play and that’s going to help you to win.

You can learn a lot by watching professional soccer matches. Find a professional who plays your position and begin mimicking his actions. Then, whenever you practice, aim to mimic the strategies he utilizes. By doing this, you will improve your skills. Learn any signature moves your favorite professional player uses and start using them in your soccer game.

Choose specially designed shoes for your type of soccer turf. For instance, if you play mostly on grass, you should consider soccer cleats that have sufficient traction. Permanent cleats with a firm grip are the standard for outdoor games. You will find these in a number of different patterns.

The right shoe will allow you to play in the mud. A lot of people that play soccer enjoy using softer cleats that are removable in these situations. Try getting cleats that are wider if you’re in a muddy or wet situation. That way, four cleats are in the midsole and two are on the heel.

Everyone on your team should practice with kicking, passing and dribbling on a daily basis. Some may not like it, but it must be done. Watch films with your team to spot and discuss other players techniques.

When you are a soccer goalie, you need to know the proper technique for cleaning your gloves. First, soak them for an hour in a solution of warm water and gentle soap. After that, rinse them until the water is clear. Gently wring out the gloves and lay them in a flat spot to dry.

Guards for your shins are created from many different materials. The level of protection offered by the guards depends a lot on the material. Plastic material provides a lower level of protection, while polyurethane gives a higher level of protection. As the protection increases, so does the price. Plastic is okay for small children that don’t kick very hard, but not for older kids or adults. As the player progresses, so should the protection.

Shin Guards

When you attach shin guards to your legs, you’ve got several options to choose from. Many shin guards attach using Velcro. One advantage to this type of attachment is the ability to put on and remove shin guards easily. Also, velcro lets you adjust how tight or loose the guard is attached to your leg.

You should no longer find soccer so confusing. Today, you have learned all you can. Utilize the advice in this piece and get more involved with soccer.