Your soccer experience can be a great one. You must like soccer. If you didn’t, you probably would not be reading this. If you want your game to improve, then you need to work on your skills and your depth of knowledge. Read on so that you are able to learn all that you can to become a great soccer player.

It is important that you are aware of the proper times to head for the goal. If your position is not ideal for this, don’t attempt it. If there isn’t an open field, locate a teammate in a better position. Pass the ball to them instead of you trying to make a goal.

If a defender is closing the distance between the two of you, it is time to pass your ball. Try to keep the soccer ball as long as possible, then pass it off. Your teammate will have several seconds before defenders do the same to him.

Although it is obvious, always keep your eye towards the ball throughout the game. Soccer is a very fast paced game and the ball passes from player to player very quickly. If you don’t know where the ball is, then you may end up allowing the other team to score.

An Outside Elastico is a simple procedure you need to learn. It is great for when you are positioned on the flanks and need to cut inside. To master the move, get a cone or another object, and set it upon the ground. Back up about five steps. Start dribbling back in its direction. As you close in on the cone, take a small touch outside and then touch your ball quickly back to the inside. The outside touch fools your opponent. The second touch should be bigger than the first one.

Never pass up the opportunity to practice. Try bringing your soccer ball along when you go somewhere and every time you have some free time you can practice some drills. It’s also fun to dribble the ball with your feet during normal walking.

Balls launched high into the air are very hard to properly control. Keep the ball low when you pass, and move it around quickly. Lofted balls are best for when there is an open area.

If the ball is in your possession when a defender approaches, make it look as though you plan to make a pass. They will likely pause to try to stop the ball, giving you a moment to decide on your next move. If you are animated, the tactic works even better.

You need to have proper footwear when playing soccer. Football cleats and golf shoes won’t cut it. By wearing the wrong shoes, you may hurt yourself or others.

Take care to avoid overconfidence while playing. Even though you are a good player, unexpected things can always happen. Being unprepared can result in even more mistakes after something unexpected occurs.

Practice set plays if you want to improve you ability to make decisions. For example, try making corner kicks or shots that are direct with the teammates on your squad. By using these tips and practicing regularly, you can better the chances of winning a soccer game.

Learn from the mistakes you’ve made. If you happen to see that you always have the ball stolen from you during the dribble, learn from that. Keep an eye on other players to see what they do to successfully maneuver the ball down the field. Solicit dribbling assistance from your coach and fellow players.

Nothing is more important in soccer than communication between teammates. It can be a powerful weapon that takes you to victory. Let the person who has the ball know if you spot an opening. Develop special terms that your teammates will understand but your opponents won’t catch on to. For example, calling out “through” lets your teammate know that you are going to go in between a pair of defenders in order to receive their pass.

The correct way to trap a ball is using the sole of your foot or your instep. Be sure to learn this. Stopping the ball this way is something that every soccer player has to do regularly. Practice with your trapping until it becomes a second nature so you can focus on what your next move will be instead of worrying about catching the ball properly.

Each team member needs to practice passing, kicking and dribbling often. Attention to the basics is essential, no matter how boring it may seem. Show them videos of soccer players that are popular using their skills so that you can help your team to know these things are important.

Now that you’re done reading this article, you are ready to get out there and play. You must remember that practice and dedication are key. Remember what you have read, and you will be a much improved player.