So are you interesting in learning more about soccer? Of course, you’d like to become a great player, and there’s much you need to know. Continue reading for useful tips to get you to a more advanced level of play.

After you have passed the ball, don’t think you’re no longer part of the play. Follow the teammate who you passed the ball to and figure out where you can position yourself to help. If your teammate is a good player, he will know when to pass the ball back to you if he gets into trouble.

Don’t let yourself hit another player. Know where your defender will be at all times to help avoid contact. This technique helps you maintain control of the ball, as well as reducing your chances of getting injured.

Practice every chance you get. Anytime you leave your home, bring along your soccer ball. Anytime you have free moments, practice some drills. You can also shuffle the ball with your feet as you walk to where you need to go.

Seek out ways to surprise your opponents. If you are always doing the same plays, opposing players can easily predict what you are doing. Try to send the soccer ball to the other side of the soccer field or just behind you if the defenders are coming up on you quickly.

If you want to be on the principal soccer team, show how combative you are. Never quit, defend and attack, work with your team, run down and up the field, and show off an attitude that’s inspiring. Show the coach your devotion to the team, and you will increase the chances you will be selected.

Penalty Kicks

To help increase your likelihood of scoring during penalty kicks, practice these kicks right after an invigorating practice. This helps your brain realize it needs to focus on a penalty kick after a foul is called. Come up with some penalty kicks and keep practicing them until you feel confident.

The element of surprise can be one of your best weapons when playing soccer. Think about dribbling to the left and quickly doing a pass off on the right. This opens the playing field for your team and the defender won’t expect it. Even though your teammates might be shocked at first, soon enough they will understand how you play the game.

Stay in excellent cardiovascular condition by running three miles every day. Your cardiovascular system needs to be in tip top shape due to all the running soccer has you doing. You will increase both your stamina and endurance if you run at least three miles daily. You can make running more interesting by picking different locations.

Sometimes, it is funner to play soccer inside rather than outside. This forces you to play on a field that is smaller. Therefore, more emphasis on ball control and decision making will be needed. This will also help improve your outdoor game.

Make sure that you are wearing the right shoes for soccer. You want to make sure that your cleats will give you the best grip on the type of surface you are playing on. Strong, permanent cleats are your best bet. These cleats are available in various patterns that will increase your grip on the ground.

In order to win a soccer match, understand that it is vital that you have confidence in your ability to win. When you believe in your team, you have the necessary confidence to make passes and kick goals. A winning demeanor can go a long way toward fostering team success.

Instead of only training with your strong foot, give both of your feet just as much attention. If you’re strong with both feet, you then become a much more versatile player. This allows you to shield better, change direction quicker on cuts and allow pitching from different sides.

Learn to trap balls properly with the instep or sole of your foot. Many people only focus on how to handle the ball once they possess it, but it is important to learn how to gain possession by trapping with your foot or chest. Practicing how to trap and quickly get the ball rolling under your control again is very important.

Weaker Foot

Use your weaker foot to kick as much as you can. Since you weak side is not up to par with your dominant foot, the more practice of the weaker foot, the better player you will become. Practice passing against a wall as well as kicking for distance. Players with the ability to use both feet well are the exception and are highly prized.

Be confident. As with many sports, there is a huge mental component to soccer. Be in control of your mind and you can take over the field. If you’re thinking about messing up, you probably will. Try thinking about what is needed to get the next goal versus what happens if you don’t.

A good soccer player always keeps his head up. When you are practicing, you can learn to hold your head up and look down the field. Your head should be up regardless of the location of the ball. This way, you have a better view of the other players and their positions. Though, you surely need to see the ball as well, but do not keep your head down looking at it.

Being better at soccer requires the right skills, knowledge and practice time. Use the information above to help you become a better player. You also will need to look out for new information so you’re able to stay ahead of your competition.