Soccer is the word’s most popular sport and it’s quickly gaining popularity in the United States. Among the reasons for soccer’s popularity are its safety, it’s equally suited for both boys and girls, it doesn’t require expensive equipment and everyone gets plenty of play time. Here are some things you should know if your kids are interested the playing soccer.
Communicating is very important when you play with a team. You should indicate to others what your intentions are. Agree on a word you will use to communicate your intention to take the ball or to try scoring. You should also have a word you can use to ask for help.
Recognize that how you pass the ball to someone else has meaning. For example, a hard pass indicates a sense of urgency, and it may tell the player that someone is coming up on them. A soft pass often indicates that you want the player to retreat toward you a little. There is much you can say on the field, even without words.
Communication is key with the game of soccer. If you are about to make a certain move, it is important that the players on your team know about it. If you do not want to speak about the move out loud, come up with a signal you can give your teammates.
You need to be in top physical condition to play your best game. Experiment to determine the optimal time and type of meal to eat before your match to ensure that you have enough energy to last to the end of the game. Get it right and you’ll power past your opponents.
If there is a lot of action on the side of the playing field, do what you can to get the ball to an unguarded player. They’ll have a second or two before defenders are near them.
Always have a plan for what you will do with the ball when it is passed to you. Anticipate the best move, whether it is a short or long pass, or a shot at the goal. Do not be obvious about the moves you will make. The element of surprise is important to keeping the ball protected.
Wherever you are on the field, try to maintain perspective in regards to the entire field. Knowing where your teammates are will help you pass the ball quickly and keep your opponents confused. It is not necessary to follow the ball too closely to stay in the game. You are more likely to get a pass when you are in a relatively open space on the field.
When playing soccer, move the ball more than your body. This can help you save energy. If you’re running down the field frequently, you’ll be tired early into the game. Keep in mind that the ball always moves faster than you do. It’s better move it faster than moving yourself with it. Save your energy for when you need to run.
If you are auditioning to join a soccer team, stick to what you know and don’t try to show off skills you are not confident about. If you are not absolutely positive you can do something, you should not attempt it until you are already on the team.
When you are on the soccer field, try your best to keep a positive attitude and avoid foul language. When coaches feel like you are difficult to deal with they will find every excuse they can to keep you sitting on the bench, so be as pleasant as you can be.
Never act selfish on the soccer field. If you are very far away from the goal, it may be a good idea for you to pass the ball to someone that is closer. It may seem like an easy shot, but it may be a bit easier for a teammate to make the shot.
Learn how to sprint. Sprinting is used when you are standing still and then begin running as fast as you can. To practice this technique, stand still for 15 seconds, then begin running as fast as you can for 15 seconds. Repeat the process for 30 minutes to help increase your sprinting takeoffs.
One of the most important things when it comes to soccer is speed. There are many ways to learn how to run faster, one of the easiest ways to increase your speed is to add 5 pound weights to each ankle while running your drills. By running with weights, you will be able to run much faster once the weights are removed.
Teaching is a great way to learn. Teach the younger players on other teams, or focus on helping the younger or more inexperienced players on your own team. This helps validate your skills and can give you that extra confidence boost when playing against your opponents. Teach and you will learn.
As you can see, getting kids started playing soccer is quite easy. All that is really needed is a pair of soccer cleats and a set of shin guards. This makes it accessible to virtually everyone, regardless of financial status. Soccer can be the beginning to a lifetime of fitness and will give kids an excellent understanding of teamwork.
