Do you want to be a better soccer player? Are you wishing that you’d be able to try the tricks the pros are great at? If so, then this article can help. You can benefit from these tips to help your team.

It’s smart to pass when a defender starts closing in on you. As long as you can move forward safely keep the ball with you, but once this moment has passed, pass it onto a teammate. This technique allows the player a few extra seconds before the defense gets to them.

Teach yourself to perform an easy Outside Elastico. This is great for cutting into the center of the field after dribbling up the line. If you’d like to start practicing, get a cone, shoe, or something and put it onto the ground. Step back five steps from the object you use. Begin dribbling as you move towards it. As you close in on the cone, take a small touch outside and then touch your ball quickly back to the inside. That outside touch will fool opponents. Try to make the second touch bigger than the first.

Seek out ways to surprise your opponents. All good players know how to take advantage of an opponent’s weakness, especially if you’re doing the same thing over and over again. Keep the other team on their toes by making unexpected but effective moves, like kicking the ball behind you, when you are in danger of losing the ball.

Throw off defenders via dribbling in the direction that’s opposite to the one that you’re going. The defender will likely follow you and then you can quickly change sides. You can easily get around a defender this way.

To keep the other team guessing, cross the ball in exactly the same pattern for a few plays. Your opponents will begin to expect this play. Then, you can surprise them by sending it in another direction or sending it nowhere.

Lofted Balls

Few players know how to control lofted balls. Try making some low passes so other players can easily take control of the ball as defenders approach. Lofted balls can be used if you’re trying to pass to someone that’s far away in an empty space.

If you are located in the center of the field, try to keep an eye on both ends. Be prepared to receive a pass and advance the ball up the field. It is essential to know where open and defense players are all the time.

In order to be on the main team, you must show a combative spirit as a soccer player. Don’t give up, defend and attack, assist teammates and present a positive attitude. You are more likely to be picked for a team if you can show the coach how devoted you are.

It’s important to remember your team’s goals as well as your personal goals. Soccer needs an entire team of effective players, so that’s why it’s important for everyone to keep the team goals in mind.

Soccer doesn’t require as much physical contact as football, but it is still a very strenuous game. Don’t be afraid to run into another player. Physical play is not the same thing as playing dirty. If you kick someone intentionally then you are guilty of dirty play, but playing rough is allowed. If getting physical scares you, you must get over it. Keep your legs always protected with soccer pads.

Learn the proper way to kick a soccer ball. You don’t want to kick it like a playground ball. If you kick the bottom or underside of the ball, it will lift up into the air. You must get underneath the ball, using your foot as a wedge and leaning backwards.

Try your best to learn to shoot with your weak foot. Switching the ball between feet can cause the ball to get stolen. When you can kick with both feet, you will be a better player.

Now that you read the above article, you’re fully prepared to take your soccer game to the next level. Applying the insights you have learned will set you off in the right direction. Do your best, help your team, and continue bettering your game.