Bettering your game is important as a soccer player. Fortunately, this article is here to help. Read on to learn tips from other expert soccer players.

Do everything possible to avert colliding with another player. Make your best effort to figure out where the opposing player will be so you will not collide with him. This will help you keep the ball and reduces injuries.

Short passing with accuracy requires that you use the inside part of your foot. When you need to make a long pass, use the top front of the foot where your shoes are laced. Kicking in this way will allow you to drive a ball further if you need to.

Learn the Outside Elastico. This is great for cutting into the center of the field after dribbling up the line. To master the move, get a cone or another object, and set it upon the ground. Begin the maneuver about five running steps behind the opponent. Begin dribbling as you move towards it. As you get closer to the cone, touch the ball outside and quickly back inside. The outside touch fools your opponent. Understand that the second touch should always be larger than the first.

If it is getting crowded where you are, move the ball into open space. 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 should look for ways to surprise the other team. The opposing team will quickly catch on to any patterns in your game. Do something different like sliding the ball over to the other part of the field, or kick it back behind you to avoid those defenders coming at your too fast.

Leave the defender guessing by dribbling to the left when you intend to go right. Your defender will go with you, then you can lose them by switching sides quickly. As a result, you can effectively evade your defenders and head towards the goal.

Never underestimate your opponent; overconfidence is a mistake. You might be great, but something unexpected can always happen. Too much confidence could cause you to make a costly mistake.

A good soccer shoe that is right for you is extremely important. For example, if you are going to be playing primarily on grass, then you need a soccer cleat that provides adequate traction. Permanent cleats with a firm grip are the standard for outdoor games. You can get cleats in a number of varieties that allow you to get good grip on the ground.

Soccer Ball

Use smaller balls when practicing. Dribbling a miniature soccer ball or a tennis ball can help you refine your techniques. Practice shots and passes. When you are capable of expertly maneuvering and manipulating a small ball, the larger soccer ball will be much easier to handle.

Use your weak foot during practices. This will strengthen that weak foot. Practice kicking the ball at a wall in addition to distance kicking. People that use their feet equally are pretty rare and usually highly sought after.

You can attach shin guards in several different ways. Lots of the shin guards use a Velcro material. These kinds of shin guards are easy to get on and remove. Velcro also allows adjustments for how tightly the shin guard is attached.

Play confidently. Soccer requires both mental and physical prowess. Getting your mind under control will help you control yourself playing the game too. If you think you’ll mess up, you will probably do that. Consider what you must do to get toward your next goal, instead of worrying about what is going to happen when you don’t get there.

Try to get the ball as close to the goal as possible. Otherwise, run toward an open area as fast as possible. It is important to remember to not only think fast but to be fast as well. Do not allow other players to corner you. Make those players go on the defense instead.

When you are home alone and bored, practice your soccer skills. To be a great player you need to practice a great deal, as much as you’re able. When you’re trying to train with other people it can be hard to focus on the things you need to learn. When you do get time alone, this allows you to focus on the weaker areas of your game.

Practice passing the soccer ball in your spare time. That’s a basic tip, but it is something you must practice. Practice this as much as you can by setting up targets that you can knock down. Work on various distances to better your technique.

Become a better soccer player by watching the pros. There are many games which are televised which you can learn from. Focus your attention on the players who play your own position to see how they handle the ball in a variety of game situations.

Now you’re ready to put your newly-found knowledge to use. You have read some very helpful advice, and now you can use that on the playing field. Consider everything you now know, and continue to work on your team effort as well as your individual skills. Remember to have a good time!