This article will give you great tips on improving your soccer game. Playing soccer must be done with passion and with a lot of practice. The following article is packed with information that will help you to improve your game.

Do not put off practice. Bring your soccer ball along with you whenever you can, and if you’ve got a few minutes get a little practice in. Even walking with the ball in front of you is good practice.

Don’t hesitate to move the ball to an open teammate if you find yourself pressured by the opponents. This allows your team to set up the ball before the opposing team gets into the area, thus giving your team a few second advantage of controlling the action.

You can throw a defender off by dribbling in the opposite direction of where you want to go. Whenever you make a move, your defenders will quickly follow you. By immediately changing sides, you can skillfully throw them off. You can get around the defender easily this way.

Lofted Balls

Lofted balls are hard to control. You should make low passes and whip the ball if you need to make a pass to another player because defenders are approaching. Lofted balls are better for long passes through an empty area.

Adding long distance running into your off-season training can be very beneficial. Incredibly soccer players run around eight miles each game. You can improve your stamina by running for long distances and by sprinting.

If you are located in mid-field, notice what is happening 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 important to always know where your teammates and opponents are located.

Confusing the opposition can help improve your game. Try dribbling the ball over the the right and then try to pass to the left. This can open up the field if the defender is caught off guard. Although at first your teammates might not know what is happening, they will eventually get used to your technique.

If you play soccer, good communication with teammates is critical. You will work better with your teammates when you communicate with them. Communication works best at every level of soccer, even at the professional level.

Soccer Ball

If you wish to dribble a soccer ball better, give practicing with tennis balls a try. This helps you work on foot work. When you’ve gotten comfortable with them, the regular soccer ball should be simpler to dribble.

Set plays should be practiced to improve the capability of decision making during games. For example, work on corner kicks and direct shots with others on your team. When you regularly practice these shots and plays, you will become a better player overall.

Practice shooting with your weaker foot. Players often waste time switching to their stronger foot, and this just gives the defense a opportunity to steal. This will make you a more well-rounded player.

Use the bottom of the foot or the instep to trap a ball properly. This skill is something you’ll have to use every once in a while to get the soccer ball under control. Practice trapping daily as well as moving the ball and gaining control of it.

Injuries happen in soccer just like in any other sport; however, there are ways to protect yourself from injury. You can do this by first getting into shape. Exercise and diet are of course key to this. Incorporate both cardio and strength training in your regimen.

Request that each parent provide a practice soccer ball. This will allow each person to be able to practice with their own ball at home. Keep a few soccer balls around as extras just in case someone doesn’t remember to bring one. To guard against this, require all players forgetting their ball to run some additional passing plays.

Work on improving your peripheral vision. You can train your side vision to become more effective. The idea is not to concentrate on the ball itself, but on a point somewhere between yourself and the actual ball.

Attach Shin Guards

You can attach shin guards in several different ways. Velcro is often used to attach shin guards to your legs. 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.

Always warm up before soccer practice. You’ll increase blood flow to your muscles by warming up. Stretch or walk to prepare your muscles for the challenges ahead.

Now that you’ve had a chance to read this article, you surely are ready to put this advice into play. Take that motivation and put it to good use on the field. This game is very fun but requires a lot of practice.