If you desire to be the best soccer player you can become, then you are reading the right article. There is surely much to know and learn, and no matter your skill level, you’re going to find out some great information here. Continue reading so that you are able to exhibit some new skills out there on the field.
Make sure to buy plenty of protective gear if you plan on playing soccer. Thick socks are a good investment since they help prevent cramps and blisters. Shin guards are a good buy, and you should never play soccer without them. They will protect you from injuries caused by kicks and falls.
You have to ask for the ball. If you do not ask, you are not going to get what you want. This piece of advice is true for just about any position on the field (except for the goalkeeper). Without the ball, you cannot make things happen. If you find yourself shying away, you may want to reevaluate why you are in the game in the first place.
Always attempt collisions if you can. Try to learn where you can expect an opponent to be if you wish to avoid contacting them. This will help you retain possession and will also prevent injury.
You need to be in top physical condition to play your best game. Experiment to determine the optimal time and type of meal to eat before your match to ensure that you have enough energy to last to the end of the game. Get it right and you’ll power past your opponents.
It is against the rules to use any part of your hands or arms, from shoulder to fingertips, to control a soccer ball that is in play. You can use your feet, knees, thighs, stomach, chest and head. Be careful though. A head shot can hurt and you cannot control the ball well with your knees.
Be quick with your decisions on the field. You should get rid of the ball as quickly as you get it. If you can’t make something happen after two touches, the ball should be sent on. If you choose to keep it, you will probably lose it or cause your team to lose its momentum.
Learn how to freeze a defender. Doing this causes the defender that’s coming after you to stop in their tracks to figure out your next move, which gives you time to maneuver around the field. To do this, act like you’re going for a long kick or shot just before they reach you. If done correctly, they’ll either turn to a side to cease the fake motion or freeze to see what you’re doing next.
Before each soccer match, make sure you take the time to do some pregame warm-ups and stretching. By following this pregame ritual, you will decrease your chances of sustaining a connective tissue injury. By providing additional blood flow to your muscles, tendons and ligaments, warm-ups and stretching increases your body’s flexibility. Your lower body should be the focus of your stretching exercises.
If your child is a player on a soccer team, stress to them that the most important part of the game is having fun. If you tell them that is is necessary for them to win all of the time, it will put unnecessary pressure on them, and this may have a negative impact on their performance.
Try finding professional players who usually play your position and pay attention to the techniques they use. If you learn to imitate the methods you see, your own skills will improve. Find out what signature moves the professional is using. This will allow you to add the moves to your skill set.
When shooting the soccer ball, use only the front part of your foot. If you use your toes or the inside or outside of your shoes, your shot will not be as powerful or as directed as it should be. Practice this shooting technique until it becomes second nature.
If you are auditioning to join a soccer team, stick to what you know and don’t try to show off skills you are not confident about. If you are not absolutely positive you can do something, you should not attempt it until you are already on the team.
If you are serious about bettering your soccer game, then you will put this advice into play. Knowing what to do and what to practice is essential, so be prepared to put in the time. As you make progress, you are going to see how good it feels to keep learning about this great sport.
