It is not surprising that everyone is so interested in soccer because of its popularity around the world. The key is to spend a bit of time gaining a good understanding of the sport before heading out to play. Continue reading to get some great tips for improving your play.

Don’t take the ball towards the goal unless you’re in an ideal position. Pass the ball if you do not have an open lane. Rather than trying to take the glory for yourself, pass the ball to them as soon as you can.

Just because you do not have the ball, does not mean that you are no longer in play. Run up the field and find a place where you may be able to offer assistance. If your teammate is a good player, he will know when to pass the ball back to you if he gets into trouble.

Try to find ways that you can surprise the opposing team. Good players will notice the plays you make and predict them. Look to push the soccer ball quickly to the opposite field side, or try sending it behind you if you’ve got defenders moving in on you quick.

You can throw a defender off by dribbling in the opposite direction of where you want to go. Your defender will go with you, then you can lose them by switching sides quickly. This particular move works great when trying to get around a good defender.

It’s important to remember soccer is not an individual sport, but a team sport. You always have to be aware of this fact. Being a self-centered player will not benefit the team and will not benefit you either. It’s a team game and you must always remember that. Success in soccer is most likely to occur whenever you forgo personal glory and keep your team’s needs ahead of your own.

Lofted Balls

Few players know how to control lofted balls. Make your passes low when you notice defenders getting close. You can use lofted balls if you want to make a long pass to a player who is in an empty area.

If you want more stamina, participate in long distance runs in the off-season. Soccer players run many miles during an average soccer game; estimates are that 8-10 miles are the average. By running every day, you train the body in terms of stamina and endurance as well as speed.

When you’re in control of the ball and you see a defender coming, pretend that you’re about to pass to a teammate. Use their confusion at this time to plan your next move. It will be even more helpful if you are animated.

Surprise is a great option when you play soccer. Changing directions is one way to surprise the other player. The defender might not expect you to do that, and it can open up the playing field for your fellow players. Although these moves may initially surprise your teammates, they will eventually get used to this style.

If your dribbling skills are lacking, use a tennis ball to practice. Using a small ball will help you adjust to keeping your feet in control. When you are comfortable with this, you will see that a soccer ball is much easier to use.

When playing soccer, you should wear the appropriate shoes. Football cleats and golf shoes won’t cut it. You need the right shoes to prevent injury and to play your best game.

It’s important to communicate with your teammates. This is essential to have in the soccer game. If you have an open space, communicate that to the player who has the ball. Learn the soccer terms that tell your teammate what you will do. Try to use simple terms that won’t be confused during play.

Select the right shoe for the type of field on which you play. For example, if you are going to be playing primarily on grass, then you need a soccer cleat that provides adequate traction. If you’re playing outdoors the shoes are usually permanent and firm cleats. Cleats are available in lots of styles and patterns for good grip.

Soccer appeals to people all over the world. However, it’s not well understood or easily mastered by most. With any luck, the tips and tricks found above have prepared you well to start enjoying the health advantages and sheer enjoyment that can come from hitting the pitch.