Are you someone who has considered playing soccer, but didn’t know where to begin? Maybe you are already a player, but want to get better. The following information will help soccer lovers of all ability levels. Get out of the rut you’re in.
Avoid collisions with other players at all costs. Being able to predict where they are going ahead of time, will keep you from making contact. This will help you keep the ball and reduces injuries.
When a defender is moving to you, pass the ball. Retain the ball until the defense if breathing down your neck, then pass it an unprotected player. This will allow your teammates some seconds before the defenders change targets and close in.
Always watch the ball when you’re playing soccer. The game of soccer is extremely fast; therefore, the ball will be quickly passed between players in an instant. Losing track of the soccer ball risks the opposing team getting it to the goal.
If your area is teeming with defenders, pass the ball out to an open spot. The defenders will be seconds behind, but it should be enough time for the ball to move out of a busy area.
Always find ways to shock the other team. Good players will quickly notice your plays and predict them if you always do the same thing. You need to get the ball away from you quickly and pass it elsewhere if you’re dealing with a bunch of defenders charging at you.
Make sure that you have strategies in place for your game. They ought to anticipate when you plan to send a pass across so that they are able to rush ahead and grab it. For instance, have a strategy where the ball is crossed in one direction for a couple of plays, then alternated to the other side.
If you’re in the center of the field, make sure to pay attention to both ends. Be prepared to quickly pass the soccer ball from one end to the other. Be aware of the location of your teammates and defenders on the field.
Confusing the opposition can help improve your game. Move to the left and then pass to the right. The opponent may be caught off guard, giving your teammates an advantage. While your teammates might be shocked initially, they’ll get used to your personal playing style.
Use every surface of your foot during soccer play. If you are quickly dribbling, then you are likely using the front of your foot at the instep. To become a better dribbler, you must be able to use both the inside and outside of both feet. This allows the ball not to be under so much pressure as well as you so you can play better soccer games.
You need to wear proper shoes when playing soccer. Football cleats or tennis shoes are absolutely not acceptable. Choosing the wrong shoes may lead to injury.
It’s important to communicate with your teammates. Communication is the arsenal to use when on the field. When a spot opens up, communicate to the player holding the ball. Using proper soccer terms will make communication easy. For example, “through” will tell your teammate that you’re going to move between two opponents to receive his pass.
If the field you are playing on will be muddy, use a shoe with extra traction. Professionals use removable cleats for situations like this. Select wider cleats when playing in damp conditions. On such shoes, a pair of cleats sit at the heel, while four are placed midsole.
Always keep your body in motion. By leaning the opposite way you are going, you can trick opposing players. Use your arms to distract opponents when you are about to shoot or cross the ball.
Practice with both your feet. If you’re strong with both feet, you then become a much more versatile player. It will enable you to play both pitch sides, effectively shield the ball, and cut in whatever direction you prefer.
If one of your feet is weaker, use it as much as possible. By practicing your weaker foot more often, it will get stronger. You could for instance do some passes against a wall or kick the ball as far as possible. The most desirable and sought after players are those can use either foot effectively.
Shin Guards
Shin guards can be made out of a lot of different materials. The material’s quality correlates to the guard’s protection. Polyurethane is what the higher quality shin guards are made of, while the lower end guards are made of plastic. The higher the protection level, the more you can expect it to cost. Only small kids need to wear plastic shin guards. You should purchase shin guards that fit the age and skill level of the team.
Now that you have all this knowledge, you don’t have to settle for being a mediocre player. Use these soccer tips to become a better player. Everyone enjoys winning and nobody likes losing.
