Part of being a great soccer player is developing your skill set. It helps to have a variety of skills to be able to use during the game. The more you know, the better you will be. So here are some useful tips to help you become a better soccer player.
When you are considering new cleats, take into account your level of playing ability. Cleats made of plastic and other synthetics are great for beginners. More advanced players will prefer metal cleats that screw in since they are useful on a variety of grasses and terrain.
Ask yourself what you can do to help your team. If you are one of the most skilled players on the field, take the lead and act as a play maker. If other players are more skilled and experienced than you, you can be a lot more useful by supporting them.
Even though soccer equipment is very expensive, you need it in order to be completely safe while you play. If you buy sub-par equipment, or if you fail to buy something that you need, you may get injured. Hospital bills will cost a lot more than the cost of decent equipment.
Do not hold on to the ball for more than two touches. You are taking risks by taking the ball longer and will end up losing it, unless you are excellent. You can be more useful to your team by passing the ball over two touches. You can try getting the ball again.
An important skill to become familiar with is called the “Outside Elastico.” The goal of this maneuver is to quickly cut back in towards the field from the outer flanks. Grab a bag, shoe or cone and practice by putting it down on the ground. Begin the maneuver about five running steps behind the opponent. Dribble towards it. When you start closing in on your cone, try taking a little touch outside and quickly touching the ball to the inside again. Touching the ball outside tricks the other players. The second touch should be bigger than the first one.
When playing a game of soccer, make sure to stay focused. Do not forget that the game isn’t finished until the referee says it is. Don’t get lost in the moment because your team is ahead or because there isn’t much time left in the game. Scoring a goal in the final minute of the game may make or break games or championships.
If you want to be on the primary soccer team, show some team spirit. Don’t give up, defend and attack, assist teammates and present a positive attitude. Showing the coach some devotion to the game and the team can better your odds of getting chosen.
Surprise is a useful tool when on the soccer field. Think about dribbling to the left and quickly doing a pass off on the right. The defender could become confused and that may help you your team. Even though your teammates might be shocked at first, soon enough they will understand how you play the game.
Learn your passing skills well to succeed at soccer. Use the inside arch of your foot for the most accuracy. For short passes, keep the ball low by hitting it near the center of the ball. For longer passes, with more power, hit the ball lower and follow through fully.
Watch videos of other soccer players to improve your own game. This is especially effective right before a game. Analyze what the player is doing, and consider how you can incorporate that into your own technique. Experiment with different styles and strategies you observe in other great players in order to step up your own skills.
Many players are plagued by wandering minds. Players should let the past go because it cannot be changed. Instead, players should focus on the current game. If a player is not playing a game, he should be focusing on the future match coming up. This technique will help player focus on the present which will result in a well played game.
Now that you have just learned some new skills, take the time to practice them. Practicing is vital to being a better player. Share these tips with your teammates and practice them together. With a lot of practice and a little luck, you may just be on the way to a winning season.