The history of the sport of soccer dates back centuries and spans the globe. However, many people still need to gain an education on the rules, skills and nuances involved with the sport. The information presented below should serve as a wonderful reference for anyone wishing to understand soccer a bit better.
Communicating is very important when you play with a team. You should indicate to others what your intentions are. Agree on a word you will use to communicate your intention to take the ball or to try scoring. You should also have a word you can use to ask for help.
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.
If you are trying to shield the ball in the game, and you notice open space, do not be afraid to move toward it. Push the ball with the inside of your food. Doing so will allow for the most control. As you get better, you will find that you can cut back and forth with the ball, switching from the inside to the outside of your foot.
If you hold possession of the ball with a defender approaching you, give him the impression that you are passing the ball. They will likely pause to try to stop the ball, giving you a moment to decide on your next move. Use your arms to distract him.
The right shoes need to be be worn when playing soccer on the field. Football cleats and tennis balls are not appropriate substitutes. You can hurt yourself by wearing the wrong shoes.
One thing you should always avoid when playing soccer is being a ball hog. When you act this way, it makes it less likely that your teammates will pass you the ball in the future. In turn, the coach may keep you on the bench for the majority of the season.
One way to improve your soccer skills is to attend a soccer camp. At this camp, you will learn basic passing techniques as well as more advanced techniques such as driving the ball down field using fast juggling techniques combined with sideways dribbling techniques. Additionally, you will learn how to improve your shooting.
Understand that the game of soccer is extremely physical. Don’t be concerned with running into anyone on the field. Playing a physical game doesn’t make you a dirty player. Kicking someone on purpose is dirty, but being rough is not. Being physical is an integral part of the game. Wear your shin guards and a mouth guard to protect yourself.
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.
An excellent idea for getting more soccer practice is to check out your local YMCA or community center. Many places offer a variety of intramural sports teams, and particularly if you live in a large community, you are likely to find a soccer team or soccer club with other enthusiasts such as yourself.
To help your team develop good defensive skills, try practicing without a goalie. Inform each team that they are responsible for defending the goal by keeping the ball out of shooting range. By doing this for 30 minutes each day, the defensive skills on your team will expand exponentially.
Increase your speed. The ability to sprint is crucial in soccer. The speed at which you can cover between 10 and 40 yards is much more important than long distance speed. This will ensure you will be able to quickly get into position to be ready to get the ball.
After completing your soccer fitness training, it is important allow your body time to recover. You should rest the day after your soccer fitness routine to allow your muscles time to heal. This day of rest helps promote fitness and flexibility. Do 100 percent on your training day, then allow your body to rest the following day for best results.
Don’t doubt yourself. Doubting yourself can ruin your game. If you tell yourself you can’t play soccer, it will become the truth. Always believe that you can achieve anything. You may not be very good at first or you may fail. That doesn’t really matter as long as you learn from your mistakes.
Try keeping your head up while playing. Practice this to get used to it. Regardless of where the ball is, hold up your head. You need to be able to see what is happening on the field. Of course, you should be aware of the ball’s location; however, do not look down. Instead, use your peripheral vision to track the ball.
Soccer is something that has provided joy, excitement and physical activity to people everywhere. That is not to suggest, though, that everyone wishing to play soccer has yet to grasp its finer points. By keeping the above tips as a handy tool, it is possible for anyone to master the sport and have lots of fun playing.
