Soccer is just like any other sport when it comes to the basics. You need a foundation of dedication, determination and lots of practice. But it also takes skill, so here are some tricks for you to master. Read up on ways to become a better player and then take to the field and show what you have learned.
Make sure you are constantly switching the ball back and forth in the game. Just release pressure via switching the ball to one side of the field. This betters your chances of finding open spots on the field and increases the amount of space for you to execute a plan. It draws the other team to one side of the field while you quickly switch the ball to the other side when they target you.
Take the opposing players by surprise whenever possible. 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. 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.
Watch soccer games on TV. You can learn a lot by paying attention to the way professional players play. Pay attention for patterns, strategies and team work. Professional players usually display a few tricks if they get an occasion but you should not try reproducing these tricks until you are more comfortable with the game.
If you are interested in learning how to cross the ball with better precision, watch some footage of the professionals. David Beckham, in particular, is very skilled in this area. No matter what you do, though, make sure that you do not loft the ball. It is important to pass with precision.
It;s crucial that you develop a good sense of orientation in soccer. Being able to see the entire game and having good orientation while playing is tough. Know where your opponents and teammates are in order to gain a better perspective. This also helps you better plan your next move.
Think like a team player, not an individual. The whole team has to work together, so setting team goals is key.
Whenever you practice playing soccer, aim to do your entire practice without stopping. That is because during an actual game, you will not be stopping very often. Therefore, soccer is a very exhausting game that requires you to be in top shape. By practicing long periods of time without stopping, you will get yourself in better shape so that you can improve your games.
If you are kicking the ball and you notice someone running towards you, do not panic. There is a very simple method of avoiding them. First, kick the ball to one side of your body. Once you do this, quickly kick the ball to the other side. If you do this fast enough, you will avoid your opponent and be ahead of them. As a result, you will be better prepared to score.
You should not just practice the game. You should also ensure you are constantly visualizing yourself practicing, even when you are not. When you are sitting on the couch, think about dribbling the ball. While lying in bed, imagine shooting the ball towards the net. With visualization, you will become more familiar with all the aspects of soccer, which will further improve your skills.
You can break apart tight defenses by triangulating. Association is key, passing the ball quickly between your teammates in order to promote confusion among your opponent. It’s will be easier to deal with a tight field when you work on team effort. Therefore, always be ready to assist a teammate who is also attempting this.
Strengthening your weaker foot is important for becoming a more balanced player. Lots of folks try to transition to their stronger foot, but this can be risky. You’ll be a better player if you’re able to shoot using either foot.
Instead of just training the stronger one, train them both equally. The stronger your feet, the more versatile you will be in the game. It will enable you to play both pitch sides, effectively shield the ball, and cut in whatever direction you prefer.
When your team is practicing, make sure they take breaks often. This will help prevent your team from accidentally injuring themselves during practice. By allowing your players to take intermittent breaks and switching players out often, many repetitive injuries can be avoided. This break also allows players to catch their second wind and come out even stronger than before.
Drink a sports drink with carbohydrates and electrolytes before a game in order to keep your hydration level up. Why? Well, take into account that during a regular 90 minute soccer game, you are running at different speeds, including sprints, up to six miles each game. Six miles produces a lot of sweating and loss of those electrolytes and fluids.
Now you have gained some valuable knowledge on how to become a better soccer player. But just reading about it isn’t enough. You need to put that knowledge into action and start mastering those skills today. So grab your soccer ball and a good buddy and get out there and start practicing today.
