Soccer is a sport that is popular all over the globe and has legions of fans. It is important to understand the game before trying to play it. Continue reading to get some great tips for improving your play.

Don’t think that because you passed the soccer ball you cannot help with the play. Run up the field and find a place where you may be able to offer assistance. Good players pass the ball again if needing help.

Don’t ever shirk your responsibility to practice. Try to keep your ball with you at all times, this way if you find yourself with a few minutes to spare, you can perform a few drills. It’s also fun to dribble the ball with your feet during normal walking.

Dribble the ball to the opposite side of the field than where you intend to end up. The defender will follow you in this direction and you can then throw them off by quickly changing sides and going in the opposite direction. This technique is used to bypass defenders.

To get on the main soccer team, show your combative spirit. Don’t give up and show your individual skills while also helping your teammates. Display to the coach how devoted you are to soccer and your team will increase the chances you will get picked.

Fake out an approaching defender by pretending to pass the soccer ball to another player. Use their confusion at this time to plan your next move. Try to be animated and you’ll be more likely to fool them.

Use the technique of surprise while playing soccer; it is an effective strategy. Try dribbling the ball over the the right and then try to pass to the left. The opponent may be caught off guard, giving your teammates an advantage. This may take your teammates by surprise, but it is a great tactic.

Never be overconfident when you are playing soccer. Although you may possess great skills, you never know what may happen on the field. If you act like nothing can possibly touch you, an unexpected happening could mess up your game.

Practice set plays to help improve quick decision-making skills on the field. For example, try making corner kicks or shots that are direct with the teammates on your squad. Knowing what to do in these situations will help you to make decisions during the game about which set plays will work against your opponent’s defense.

Play soccer indoors rather than outdoors on occasion. If you play inside, the field is going to be smaller. Because of this, you will have to work on improving your ball control and making quicker decisions. When you move your game to outdoors, you’ll see that those skills have improved.

You must learn from the mistakes you make. For instance, you may notice that each time you dribble you get the ball taken away. Compare your technique to other players who are more successful dribblers. Don’t hesitate to ask a fellow teammate or the coach if you need any help in dribbling.

Make sure to wear the appropriate cleats when playing on a muddy field. Pros like to use soft cleats which are removable in the mud. When it’s wet and muddy, use wider cleats. When dealing with this situation both cleats will be on the heels of the shoes and four are in the middle of the sole.

There is no sport quite as beloved around the world as soccer. However, not everyone understands it. Hopefully the tips described have helped you realize how you can reap the healthy benefits and enjoyment of the game.