Multitudes of people from the far corners of the earth enjoy the benefits of playing soccer. However, many people do not understand the fundamentals of the game. If this is you, read this article to learn some of the fundamentals of soccer so that you can try it out.

Once a defender is closing in on you, pass the ball. Keep possession of the ball until you can advance towards the goal and send it along to a teammate. This will give the other player time before the defenders start closing in on them.

TIP! Do not carry the ball up to the goal line unless you have good field position. Look for someone to help you if you see the field isn’t open.

Figure out surprise plays. If you continually repeat the same moves, that will be noticed and predicted by the other team. You need to get the ball away from you quickly and pass it elsewhere if you’re dealing with a bunch of defenders charging at you.

You cannot play soccer if you are not willing to be part of a team. Never forget this. Playing just for the chance to gain your own glory will most likely backfire on you if you do not cooperate with your teammates. You have to play with the team in mind. Forgoing personal glory for the good of the team often leads to success.

To improve your dribbling skills, use a tennis ball to practice. As this ball is so much smaller, you will have to gain control through constant movement. When you get used to a smaller ball, dribbling a soccer ball is going to be a lot easier.

TIP! Always attempt collisions if you can. Try to anticipate your opponent’s moves to avoid contact.

To hone your ability to make decisions during game time, make sure to practice set plays. Test out corner kicks and direct shots with other players. When you regularly practice these shots and plays, you will become a better player overall.

The soccer game is not as physically demanding as American football, but it is still physical. Don’t be afraid to make contact with another player. Just because you get a little physical does not mean you are playing dirty. Kicking another person because you can is dirty, however being rough isn’t. If physicality frightens you, you have to try to get over that. Wear your shin guards and a mouth guard to protect yourself.

Use mistakes as a learning tool. Perhaps you lose the ball each time you dribble it down the field. Look at other people who can dribble successfully so you can see how it’s done correctly. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it.

TIP! It’s smart to pass when a defender starts closing in on you. Hold on to the ball until you can no longer safely advance, and then pass the ball to another teammate.

Try to move your body as much as you can. TO fake out a defensive player, lean left before making a move to the right. Use arm movements to make other players think you are going in another direction or preparing for a powerful kick.

You can learn a lot by watching professional soccer matches. You will be able to learn both the rules of the game and some strategies for playing effectively. Even though watching a game will never replace practice time and drills, it will help improve the way you play the game and it will reinforce skills you are learning while playing the game.

Use your mistakes to become an even better player. Recording your games and watching the films afterwards is a great tool for spotting your mistakes and learning from them. You can go back to problem areas and view the footage to learn where you are going wrong. You might notice that you do not approach the ball properly or are not controlling your passes like you should.

Peripheral Vision

Work on improving your peripheral vision. Peripheral vision is something you can train with and is what you need to use to be sure you’re watching the field and the ball. Focus on a specific point in midair between the ball and yourself instead of focusing on the soccer ball directly.

Sprinting is important in soccer. That ought to be only after you’ve warmed up. Run at your top speed for half a minute. Then come to a rest for an equal amount of time. Practice this exercise for 15 minutes or more each day.

TIP! Get a pattern established by getting the ball crossed in one direction for a couple of plays. Your opponents will begin to expect this play.

Be sure of yourself when playing. Soccer is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. By controlling your thoughts, you can have more control of the game. If you are afraid you will mess up, you usually will. Keep in mind what is needed to score a goal, rather than focus on the consequences of failing to score.

Anyone who plays soccer will be healthier and happier when they get a chance to kick the ball around. Hopefully, you now feel like you understand the game of soccer a little better. Armed with your new understanding of soccer, you ought to be ready to give it a go and see what it can do for you.