Playing soccer can be frustrating at times, especially when you feel like you're not progressing as quickly as you would like. However, by taking the time to look up how to improve your skills, you are already on the right track. One of the most important things you can do to get better at soccer is to be dedicated and motivated. Since you have searched for ways to improve, it shows that you are willing to put in the work needed to succeed.
In order to become a better soccer player, you must master key elements such as control, passing, and tackling. Depending on the position you play, other skills such as shooting, dribbling, and defense may be needed. But by improving on the basics and becoming an all-around star player, you will be well on your way to success.
Some players can get carried away with tricks they see professional athletes doing, but keep in mind that in a game, they're rarely used!
1) Get Better At Passing
Passing is, without a doubt, one of the most essential skills in soccer. A killer pass by you may set up another teammate to score. Ideally, you should practice till the point where your passes are clean and not bobbling or bouncing towards your intended target. At times, you’ll receive a pass that’s difficult to control, maybe the ball is moving awkwardly, or the field is uneven. If it’s a short pass, try to maintain possession of the ball even if you can’t complete a hard, clean pass the first time.
The key to passing is to keep your head up at all times so you can see all three of your teammates in order to make a good play. Never try to force the pass or get into a situation where you have to rush it, or try to hit the ball too hard – these are classic mistakes and all lead to poor passes. If you want to improve your long passing, try advancing on the ball from just outside the penalty area, moving in a diagonal fashion towards the opponent’s goal. Additionally, try to minimize the chance of disorganization by being more aware of your teammates' intent which will help you decide your next course of action on the field.
2) Control the ball
Control of the soccer ball is key to giving you extra leeway to make a pass or strike. Ultimately, you want to be able to control the ball without even looking at it. Too often, players start to look at the ball while they play. Next thing they know, the ball is a couple of feet away from them. Or worse still, they lose the ball completely. I suppose that this is a “bad habit” that lots of us are guilty of due to fear of losing the ball.
Start off by training your foot to cushion the ball, ready to execute your next move. Then, slowly learn to cushion the ball with your toes instead. A great way to train your toes to seal the ball is to play 5-a-side games where you can't use your hands. Once you've mastered the technique, put more focus into learning to dribble. Dribbling is really about pace and balance – using both feet and body to keep your opponent guessing and stop them from getting the ball from you. Of course, this takes years of practice. Even soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo are bound to make some mistakes.
3) Learn to Tackle
Tackling and regaining possession of the ball is important. After all, you can't score without it! The most common type of tackle is poking your foot in to nickel the ball back.
Keep in mind, ALL players on the field should know how to tackle, even the strikers. Sometimes, we may be hesitant to attempt a tackle but know that if you nudge the ball away, it can be a game changing play if you or your teammate manages to score with that. Try to have one foot always on the ground, read the situation and see where the ball is going next. If you tackle and lose the ball, get back into your position as soon as possible and wait for the next opportunity.
Even with these tips, know that these athletes took years and years of practice to reach where they are today. As the saying goes, "Practice makes perfect". Keep training hard and I'm sure that one day, you'll get there!
Are you looking for players to fill up your soccer or futsal match? Splink is the platform for you to do so! Out now in Google Playstore and IOS Appstore, Splink allows you to find other soccer players based on your preferences such as location, skill level etc. We're also working with partners to offer rewards and freebies to all of you so stay tuned for them on our social channels!
Playing soccer can be frustrating at times, especially when you feel like you're not progressing as quickly as you would like. However, by taking the time to look up how to improve your skills, you are already on the right track. One of the most important things you can do to get better at soccer is to be dedicated and motivated. Since you have searched for ways to improve, it shows that you are willing to put in the work needed to succeed.
In order to become a better soccer player, you must master key elements such as control, passing, and tackling. Depending on the position you play, other skills such as shooting, dribbling, and defense may be needed. But by improving on the basics and becoming an all-around star player, you will be well on your way to success.
Some players can get carried away with tricks they see professional athletes doing, but keep in mind that in a game, they're rarely used!
1) Get Better At Passing
Passing is, without a doubt, one of the most essential skills in soccer. A killer pass by you may set up another teammate to score. Ideally, you should practice till the point where your passes are clean and not bobbling or bouncing towards your intended target. At times, you’ll receive a pass that’s difficult to control, maybe the ball is moving awkwardly, or the field is uneven. If it’s a short pass, try to maintain possession of the ball even if you can’t complete a hard, clean pass the first time.
The key to passing is to keep your head up at all times so you can see all three of your teammates in order to make a good play. Never try to force the pass or get into a situation where you have to rush it, or try to hit the ball too hard – these are classic mistakes and all lead to poor passes. If you want to improve your long passing, try advancing on the ball from just outside the penalty area, moving in a diagonal fashion towards the opponent’s goal. Additionally, try to minimize the chance of disorganization by being more aware of your teammates' intent which will help you decide your next course of action on the field.
2) Control the ball
Control of the soccer ball is key to giving you extra leeway to make a pass or strike. Ultimately, you want to be able to control the ball without even looking at it. Too often, players start to look at the ball while they play. Next thing they know, the ball is a couple of feet away from them. Or worse still, they lose the ball completely. I suppose that this is a “bad habit” that lots of us are guilty of due to fear of losing the ball.
Start off by training your foot to cushion the ball, ready to execute your next move. Then, slowly learn to cushion the ball with your toes instead. A great way to train your toes to seal the ball is to play 5-a-side games where you can't use your hands. Once you've mastered the technique, put more focus into learning to dribble. Dribbling is really about pace and balance – using both feet and body to keep your opponent guessing and stop them from getting the ball from you. Of course, this takes years of practice. Even soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo are bound to make some mistakes.
3) Learn to Tackle
Tackling and regaining possession of the ball is important. After all, you can't score without it! The most common type of tackle is poking your foot in to nickel the ball back.
Keep in mind, ALL players on the field should know how to tackle, even the strikers. Sometimes, we may be hesitant to attempt a tackle but know that if you nudge the ball away, it can be a game changing play if you or your teammate manages to score with that. Try to have one foot always on the ground, read the situation and see where the ball is going next. If you tackle and lose the ball, get back into your position as soon as possible and wait for the next opportunity.
Even with these tips, know that these athletes took years and years of practice to reach where they are today. As the saying goes, "Practice makes perfect". Keep training hard and I'm sure that one day, you'll get there!
Are you looking for players to fill up your soccer or futsal match? Splink is the platform for you to do so! Out now in Google Playstore and IOS Appstore, Splink allows you to find other soccer players based on your preferences such as location, skill level etc. We're also working with partners to offer rewards and freebies to all of you so stay tuned for them on our social channels!