Do you enjoy soccer? If so, you will love this article. You will surely wish to learn how to improve your game, and there are lots of ways to do that. Continue on and learn some good tips and tricks that will help you get more out of the game of soccer.

Try to avoid contact with other players when the ball is in your possession. Do everything possible to predict your opponent’s next location. By avoiding collisions, you not only maintain ball possession, but you also minimize your chance of injury.

An important skill to become familiar with is called the “Outside Elastico.” This is a trick that can help you get inside when you’re dealing in the flanks. To learn the move, use a cone or other marker placed on the field. Move five or so steps backward. Start by dribbling in the direction of the cone. Use a soft outside touch before touching your ball back toward the inside as you get closer to the cone. Making outside touches tricks your opponents, allowing you to get by them. Remember that the second touch should be bigger than the first one.

If you find yourself in the middle of the field, pay attention to what happens on both ends. You need to be prepared to get the ball at one place and get it to another in good time. It is essential to know where open and defense players are all the time.

Fake out an approaching defender by pretending to pass the soccer ball to another player. This should make them pause for a second, which will allow you some extra seconds to make a decision. Stay animated to give the tactic real impact.

Penalty Kicks

Practice your penalty kicks when you train. You need to get used to focusing on penalty kicks after a foul. Come up with a few standard kicks for use during penalties, and make sure to practice them until you succeed every time.

Surprise is one of your biggest strengths in a soccer game. Move to the left and then pass to the right. This can help to confuse the other teams players. This may take your teammates by surprise, but it is a great tactic.

Use the right shoe for the field you are playing soccer on. For instance, if you play on a grass soccer field, you need soccer cleats that offer plenty of traction. These types of surfaces require firm permanent cleats. Cleats come in all sorts of patterns, so test them out for yourself.

You must triangulate in order to break those tight defenses. Opponents will become confused if you and your teammates pass the ball quickly. Focus on the combined team effort and effectiveness of the pass to get through a tight field. Always be ready to help a teammate who is attempting to accomplish the same thing.

Try perfecting a shot with your weaker foot. Many people can only shoot with one shot and must switch their position to kick with their stronger foot. This allows the other team an opportunity to steal the ball from you. By learning how to kick with both of your feet, you can avoid this costly mistake.

During practice not only focus on your strong foot but include your weak foot in everything you do. Having two strong feet will allow you to be a lot more versatile. It becomes easier to play different sides of the ball and fool your opponent and go in many different directions.

Being better at soccer requires the right skills, knowledge and practice time. Use what you have read about here so you can become a better soccer player. You must never stop learning if you want to keep current and beat the competition.