Have you considered playing the widely-popular sport of soccer? Are you confused about the way it’s played? Well don’t you worry because that is why there are great articles that explain the game, such as this one. Keep reading to find out what makes soccer so great.

Different levels of expertise require different levels of footwear. Cleats made of plastic and other synthetics are great for beginners. You can invest in metal cleats if you are a more advanced player and need to get traction on different terrains.

TIP! In order to make a short pass with the most accuracy, use the inside of the foot to kick the ball. When you need to make a long pass, use the top front of the foot where your shoes are laced.

Never make the assumption that you’re out of the current play once you’ve passed a ball. Run after the player you passed the ball to and perhaps you will get the ball back if they need help. A good soccer player will pass the ball back to you when they require help.

Avoid collisions with other players at all costs. Learn to anticipate where a given opponent will be so that you don’t have to make contact. This lets you keep the ball and greatly reduces your possibility of an injury.

If a defender is closing the distance between the two of you, it is time to pass your ball. Hold onto the ball as long as possible, but advance steadily and pass when necessary. This player will have a short amount of time before defenders get to him.

TIP! Always be willing to practice. Try bringing your soccer ball along when you go somewhere and every time you have some free time you can practice some drills.

For short passes, use your foot’s interior region. Long passes require the use of the front part of your foot, near the laces. This will give the ball more drive.

Get together with your team and work on specific strategies. They should have an idea of where you plan on crossing the ball, allowing them to get in position to catch it. One thing you could do is cross your ball towards the right for several plays before switching to the left.

Balls launched high into the air are very hard to properly control. Try making some low passes so other players can easily take control of the ball as defenders approach. Pass with lofted balls when making long passes to someone in a more open area.

TIP! Don’t hesitate to move the ball to an open teammate if you find yourself pressured by the opponents. They will have a time advantage and can figure out what to do with the ball.

If you wish to play well, you must stay fit. If you gain a lot of weight, the games are going to be tougher on you. Make sure that you’re keeping track of the types of food that you eat, along with your portion sizes, so that you’ll know if something is causing you to gain weight.

Set plays should be practiced to improve the capability of decision making during games. As an example, you could practice corner kicks or direct shots with those on your soccer team. Practice these different shots continuously and you will notice your game become better with each training session.

It can be very helpful to watch professional players who share your same position on the field. Try incorporating his techniques into your own game. Use a player’s signature moves as part of your game.

Playing Dirty

Although you don’t get as physical in soccer as you do in football, it’s still a really physical experience. Don’t be afraid when you run into another player. Playing in a physical way does not interpret into playing dirty. If you kick someone then you’re playing dirty, but being a little rough doesn’t raise a foul. If you are afraid of physical play, you need to face your fears. Just make sure your legs are protected by proper soccer pads.

If soccer is new to you, there is much to learn from articles like this one. When you know the basics, soccer is more fun to both watch and play. Thankfully, you have now become educated on this great game through the tips learned here, and now you won’t feel lost the next time someone says let’s go watch some soccer.