Soccer Tips 1 - Juggling, Not Just for Clowns. Juggling may be the most important skill in perfecting your skill as a soccer player. It easily increases settling the soccer ball, getting a better first touch, and trapping the ball. It will ultimately help for better control of the soccer ball.
1. Try throwing the ball high above yourself and trapping the ball before it touches the ground. This is key for many set plays such as Free Kicks and Corner Kicks. As this becomes easier limits the amount of touches you have to settle until you can settle the ball with one touch and have it securely in your possession on the ground.
2. Use you feet to get the ball off the ground when juggling. This allows more control for the ball. The more touches with the feet the faster ball control will come.
3. When juggling set small goals. Try putting a minimum of juggles per attempt. Put limits such as only use your feet or only thighs. You can get even more complicated and only use left legs or right legs. These small goals are key when becoming a well rounded soccer player, especially when you do not have to rely only on your right foot for every task.

Soccer Tips 2 - LIMIT YOUR TOUCHES. The worst thing you can do as a soccer player is be a ball hog. It's almost counterintuitive to develop such a high control of the ball just to find out that getting rid of the ball is more beneficial to the team. Try to draw opposing players away from where they want to be, but don't feel like you have to take on the team yourself. Once you beat one player either look for the goal or one of your teammates; either way get rid of the ball. You can practice this by playing keep away and have a two or three touch limit on the ball.

Soccer Tips 3 - SHOOT! The only way to get some points on that score board is putting the ball in the back of the net. The best way to get the ball in there is putting the ball where the goalie isn't, Duh! But that is just the point. Most goals don't come from players ripping shots as hard as they can, but players being aware of the goal and goalie. Coming down either touchline of the pitch it is best to shoot for the far post; but be aware, that the goalie is thinking the same way. Watch for his actions and see if he is favoring one side than the other, look for an opening and go for it. Balls low to the ground or the upper 90's are generally the best places to shoot for, anywhere but the goalies hands is preferable. A weak shot but great placement is always better than a powerful shot that misses the goal completely.

Soccer Tips 4 - Corner Kicks. These kicks are like gifts from the other team where a defensive error occurs. When taking these kicks try to keep the ball away from the six yard box where the goalie can easily grab it in the air unless it's on the ground. Try having your teammates crash the goal from the surrounding 18 but make sure it is planned out. Don't have a spot not covered because of poor communication. Always have someone stay at the top of the crest of the 18 just in case the ball pops out and keep someone far on the other touchline if the ball over shoots the 18. MOST IMPORTANTLY there should be a whistle at every corner kick. Either a whistle because there was a goal or because you were too aggressive and fouled someone, don't leave that free kick, kicking yourself because you didn't try hard enough.

Soccer Tips 5 - Defense. Everyone on the team will be in a situation where defensive tactics are needed even if you are not playing a defensive position. Try not to stab. Begin quick to make a tackle is what everyone expects and being off your toes is going to get you beat. Stay calm and force the other player to make the first move. To do this use your surroundings to your advantage. Force the opposing player towards an endline or touchline to reduce his options. Don't give the player a lot of space to play with, but don't feel obligated to steal the ball immediately. Be aware of his other teammates as well as your own. Forcing the other player to make a pass to someone who is already covered is a win even if you don't get the ball. But if the player gets rid of the ball your job isn't done. You still need to cover the player you were already defending because he is now potential for a pass. If the player thinks he can beat you and tries to get around you remember this: either the ball gets past you or the player never both. You can't lose if he looses possession or the ball, you still win.

Gifts for Soccer Players

Soccer Tips 6 - Working off the Ball. If you feel like you are not receiving or ever getting to touch the ball maybe you are not working off the ball. This idea is basically putting yourself where it would be beneficial for the team to give you the ball. There are many ways to do this.
1. Support, Making yourself available in a position where you are not covered and is generally behind the player with the ball. This gives the team more time as not to make a hasty decision. Always let someone know if they can drop it back to you for support, communicate.
2. Overlap. This is when one of your teammates is shielding the ball and you make a run from behind going forward down the field. If you make a run like this it will put more pressure of the opposition but be sure to have someone look after your spot especially if it's a defensive position.
There are many more ways to get the ball. Lose who ever is defending you and make a run, diagonals and backwards runs are always great and unexpected, just get creative.

Soccer Tips 7 - Goalkeepers, if you have no gloves , chew sugary gum and spit the juice into your hands. Rub it in, and your hands will feel like glue to the ball.

Soccer Tips 8 - Monitor the frequency in which you use your head when playing soccer. There are times when you will have no other option but to use your head when making a play, but avoid it when possible. Similar to taking blows to the head in boxing, constant impact between the ball and your head can cause serious problems in the future.

Soccer Tips 9 - Make sure you stay in constant communication with your teammates on the field. Yell to each other so that you all know who has the ball and who is open to receive the ball. Also yell encouragement to each other. Finally listen to what the coach is yelling from the sidelines.

Soccer Tips 10 - Watch the games of those who have been playing for a longer amount of time then you have. Watch how they handle the ball and then go home and practice some of their techniques. Don't try to copy everything they do, just take some of it and make it your own.

Soccer Tips 11 - Always be prepared to make quick decisions on the field. There is no time to slowly work your way up the field because the ball will be taken from you. Go as far as you can and then decide quickly who to pass to.

Soccer Tips 12 - Play the game as much as you can. If possible go to a soccer conditioning camp during the summer. Play with your local parks and recreation teams. This will help keep you on top of your game during your regular season.

Soccer Tips 13 - Take good care of your equipment. Make sure your cleats are properly cared for and cleaned. And make sure that your shin guards fit properly and do not rub or cause blisters.

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