You probably love soccer, but if you want to be successful with it, you need to find out more about it. Soccer is a fun game, but it takes effort to learn the most effective moves. The article below is a compilation of tips that will help you become a better player.

Which cleats you wear can affect your game. If you are a beginner, find plastic or synthetic cleats. Players that are more advanced need to work with ones that have screw in metal in them because they can be used just about anywhere.

Avoid collisions with other players at all costs. Try to anticipate your opponent’s moves to avoid contact. When you do this, you’ll be able to keep the ball in your possession and keep injuries at bay.

It’s almost silly to have to say this, but you have to stay focused on the ball. This game is lightning fast, and the ball can get passed from one player to another in a blink of an eye. By losing the ball, you allow the other team a better chance of scoring.

Always find ways to shock the other team. Good players are going to recognize and predict all of your plays if you are someone who doesn’t do anything new. Try passing the ball to a player behind you or across the field from you to fool your opponents.

When you are carrying the ball with a defender is approaching, make the pretense of passing the ball to another player. It could cause them to halt and allow you a free second to figure out your next move. Use your arms to distract him.

Use a tennis ball to practice your dribbling. Practicing with a small ball can help you get comfortable with making constant adjustments using your feet, and that helps you maintain control. Once you have gotten comfortable doing this, a normal soccer ball will be much easier to dribble.

If you’re going to become good at soccer, you must keep fit. Gaining too much weight will make the game a lot more difficult for you. Watch the amount and the types of food you eat to be sure you’re eating a healthy diet.

To ensure you are in excellent physical condition, aim to run three miles on a daily basis. Expect to run a lot during a soccer game and keep in mind that developing your cardio will make you more efficient on the field. Endurance can be pumped up by running a few miles a day. Change your route regularly to avoid getting bored.

Find pro players that play your exact position and see how they play during a game. If you learn to imitate the methods you see, your own skills will improve. If you notice the player has their own special moves, study them and begin using them in your game.

The soccer game is not as physically demanding as American football, but it is still physical. Don’t worry about colliding with someone. Getting physical doesn’t mean you’re playing a dirty game. A purposeful kick or similar underhanded action is dirty, but playing rough is part of soccer. Let your anxieties go. Protect your legs with soccer pads at all times.

As you make mistakes, learn from them. For instance, do you notice that the ball is taken from you when you’re dribbling it? Carefully watch players who are able to dribble very well. Learn their actions and mimic them. If you continue to have trouble, ask a teammate or your coach for help.

Try perfecting a shot with your weaker foot. You can’t take the time to switch in all situations. Learning how to use both feet for shooting makes you a better player and asset to the team.

Move around as much as possible. It is possible to throw off the competition if you lean left while heading to the right. Movements with your arms can be very distracting to your opponents when you are passing or shooting.

Shin Guards

Shin guards of different materials can be purchased. You will note that each type of material will relate to the level of protection you will receive. Polyurethane is what the higher quality shin guards are made of, while the lower end guards are made of plastic. As the price increases, so does the amount of protection. Only small kids need to wear plastic shin guards. Stronger players need to use stronger protection.

Be confident in your playing abilities. Though soccer is a physical sport, it’s equally a mental one. Keeping control of your emotions will lead to great things on the field. If you are worrying about making a mistake, you probably will. Consider what needs to be done so you can score again instead of thinking about what would happen if you failed.

You can improve your soccer skills with any of the solid advice in the article above. Remember that you can always learn more, so keep pushing yourself. You can progress by learning more your mistakes, practicing and finding more experienced players who can help you.