Many people aspire to play or follow one sport or another, but they find it can be hard. Different sports require different skills, have different rules, and have different nuances. It can take time to figure out all the ins and outs of a given sport. If you’ve always wanted to be a soccer expert but didn’t know how to go about it, this article can help.
Always be ready to receive the ball. You should be focused on the ball at all times and try predicting whom the player will pass it to. Predicting what a player does will become easier as you get used to playing with the same team. Ask for the ball if you are in the best position.
Communication is key with the game of soccer. If you are about to make a certain move, it is important that the players on your team know about it. If you do not want to speak about the move out loud, come up with a signal you can give your teammates.
Learn the Outside Elastico. This trick can help you cut inside when you’re on the flanks. For starters, place a cone or something similar as a marker on the ground. You want to be a good five steps or so back from the object on the ground. Then, dribble towards the cone. Use a soft outside touch before touching your ball back toward the inside as you get closer to the cone. It is the outside touch which tricks the opponent. The second touch should be harder than the first.
You can usually make a defender freeze for a few seconds by faking a shot. If you see a defender closing in on you, posture yourself as if you were about to kick the ball and make a long pass. The defender should stop and anticipate the pass you are faking.
If you find yourself in the middle of the field, pay attention to what happens on both ends. Remain prepared as a ball can come suddenly at you from your left or right, and you might then need to pass it quickly to the opposite side. You need to figure out where people are defending and who is open all the time.
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.
To make it onto a good team, prove you are combative. Do not give up easily, keep moving, defend, attack and be a team player. Show your coach that you’re a team player and you will have much better chances of being picked.
While confidence is important, being overconfident is bad and will hurt your game. The best players try to anticipate and prepare for the unexpected. When you play too cockily then you’re going to put yourself at risk for having a bad game since you’re not paying attention.
Practice using your weaker foot. This can be done alone by kicking the ball against the wall or with your team. For an interesting game, have everyone on your team to split into two teams. The only rule is that all dribbling and shooting must be done with the weaker foot. By practicing with the weaker foot, you will soon be able to shoot as equally well with your weaker foot as your stronger foot.
Now that you know more about it, you’re more comfortable with the subject of soccer. Whether you want to start playing, become a better player, or just be the best fan you can be, you should now be able to do it. Keep these tips in mind as you go about enjoying this great sport.
