Is the soccer field a place where you want to be more talented? Do you want to play like the professionals you saw on TV? If this applies to you, this article will be helpful. You will certainly gain much, and your team may also.

Make sure that your cleats fit when you buy them. The cleats should have good arch support and fit snugly. You should also make sure that the cleats you buy allow your ankles to move freely. The wrong shoes can actually cause injuries.

TIP! After passing the ball, do not relax and assume you’re done with a play. Follow the teammate you passed to, and attempt to put yourself in a position to help.

Unless you’re in a prime position to attempt a shot on goal, you should not do so. If there isn’t an open field, locate a teammate in a better position. Rather than trying to take the glory for yourself, pass the ball to them as soon as you can.

Avoid colliding with other players when possible. Watch where the other team is at all times. This helps you not lose possession and helps you to avoid those unwanted injuries.

To help with your short passing skills you want to kick the ball off the inside part of your foot, this gives you the best accuracy. Long passes require the use of the front part of your foot, near the laces. By using this kicking approach, it will generate greater power which will enable the ball to move a longer distance.

TIP! Passing the ball is best done when defenders are closer to you. Hold onto the ball as long as possible, but advance steadily and pass when necessary.

An important skill to become familiar with is called the “Outside Elastico.” This is great for cutting into the center of the field after dribbling up the line. Practice this approach by putting a cone, shoe, or bag on the ground. Back up about five steps. Start by dribbling the ball towards the cone. When you start closing in on your cone, try taking a little touch outside and quickly touching the ball to the inside again. That outside touch will fool opponents. Keep in mind that your second touch needs to be bigger then your first one.

To build stamina, off-season distance running is a great idea. Within a typical soccer game, a player will run around eight miles. By running every day, you train the body in terms of stamina and endurance as well as speed.

It can be very helpful to watch professional players who share your same position on the field. When you can imitate his techniques, you will better your game. If he has a signature move, learn it and incorporate it into your play.

TIP! You should practice anytime you get a chance. Try to keep your ball with you at all times, this way if you find yourself with a few minutes to spare, you can perform a few drills.

If you’re having to play soccer where it’s muddy, your shoes need to be able to grip the muddy ground. Professionals use removable cleats for situations like this. Opt for wide cleats when you are playing in wet and muddy conditions. Use shoes with two cleats at the heel and an additional four at the midsole.

Learn the correct technique to kick a soccer ball. There is quite a bit to kicking a ball and it’s not all about just trying to kick it far. If you want the ball to go high, kick its bottom. You have to point your foot in order to get underneath the ball, while at the same time leaning to the rear to gain leverage.

When it comes to winning, it must happen first in your mind. When you believe that you can win, you will be more confident and play at a higher level. By keeping your team pumped up for a win, you can help increase the team’s morale.

TIP! You can shake a defender if you dribble the ball the opposite way of where you are trying to head. Defenders will follow you there and then be confused when you change course rapidly.

It is important that you do not neglect your weaker foot. If both your feet are strong, you’ll be able to do so much more. You are able to cut in both directions and better shield the ball.

Learning how to properly wash your goalie gloves is important. Soak them in warm soapy water for an hour. Then, rinse the gloves until the water is clear. Follow up by wringing them out and laying them with the palm side down so they can dry.

Kick using the foot that’s weaker whenever you can. The more you practice, the stronger your weak side will be. You can even pass to a wall for some help. Players who have no weak foot are in high demand on the soccer field.

Shin Guards

There are a few ways that shin guards can be attached to your legs. A lot of shin guards are held into place by Velcro. The velcro keeps the shin guard in place. Another advantage of velcro is the ability to wear the shin guard snug against the calf.

Always warm up before soccer practice. Exercises will prepare the muscle by moving the blood to the parts that will be worked during play. Stretch or walk to prepare your muscles for the challenges ahead.

TIP! Long distance runs during the off season could help increase stamina during the season. Typically, a soccer player runs for about eight miles per game.

You should always be confident when playing. Soccer isn’t only a physical game, but a mental one too. You’ll be under more control if you’re confident about what you are doing. If you think that you’re going to mess up, you’re more likely to. Focus on what you want to happen instead of imagining what could go wrong.

Learning how to pass and shoot the ball is essential to all soccer players. Practice with some friends. If you are doing it alone, you can kick the ball at the wall. Pretend the wall is another player passing you the ball, set up your shot and aim for a specific target on the wall.

If you have the ball, try to get to the goal if possible. If you can’t do that, get to open space quickly. Use your speed to help you stay ahead of your opponents. Never allow the opposition to draw close to you. Require them to resort to defensive mode.

TIP! If you find yourself in the middle of the field, pay attention to what happens on both ends. You ought to prepare yourself to receive from one end and send the ball to the other at a moment’s notice.

Now you can improve your game on the field. Continuously learning and applying these tips can help you do well. Play well, always try your best to and remember that soccer is a team game.