You will enjoy this article if you love soccer. There are so many things you need to learn about being a great player. Continue reading for useful tips to get you to a more advanced level of play.

Buy well-fitting cleats. You must have snug cleats that give your arch plenty of support. As well, your ankles should move freely when wearing the cleat. Remember, purchasing poorly fitting cleats can really hurt your feet, so choose carefully.

Seek out ways to surprise your opponents. If you are always doing the same plays, opposing players can easily predict what you are doing. Mix-up the game and send the ball to different spots on the field to keep the opponent guessing.

Keep in mind that soccer is fundamentally a team sport. This is important to bear in mind. Team work is the most important part of playing soccer. Hot dogging will backfire on you. It’s important to play for your team, not just yourself. You are most likely to succeed when sacrificing personal recognition and making sacrifices for your team.

When the ball is lofted it makes it difficult to control. Make low passes, whipping the ball when you need to pass because defenders are nearing. If there is an open space, it may be okay to attempt a loft at that point.

Practice makes perfect, in life and in soccer as well. You won’t become a soccer star overnight. Dedicate a certain amount of time each day to practicing soccer. Your soccer skills need to be practiced, even if they’re too difficult for you. Also work on your strongest skill set to keep them sharp.

If you want to increase your stamina, do long distance runs during the off season. Soccer players run an average of eight miles over the course of a game. By distance training, you will increase your stamina, resulting in the ability to play soccer for longer periods of time without a break.

Keeping yourself physically fit is essential if you are to play your best. Keep your weight down, because gaining a lot of weight will increase the difficulty of the game. Be sure to have healthy foods in your diet.

When playing soccer, you need the proper shoes. Football cleats and golf shoes won’t cut it. If the wrong shoes are worn then you could end up getting hurt or hurting another player you’re playing against.

Don’t get cocky during a soccer match. Even though you are a good player, unexpected things can always happen. Too much confidence could cause you to make a costly mistake.

Try practicing with people who have more experience than you. That will get you out of your comfort zone and stretch your abilities too. Don’t hesitate to ask these players any questions you have so that you can learn from them. Soccer players are accustomed to a team effort so will be happy to help you. If you cannot find someone to practice with, go to a local soccer game and ask some players if they will mentor you.

No one becomes a great soccer player without putting in the time or effort. Use what you learned here and grow as a player. You also will need to look out for new information so you’re able to stay ahead of your competition.