Learn Soccer Here

Every soccer player wants to get the ball and see what they can do. You can build a soccer team on a few naturally gifted players, but a team does better if all the players have strong soccer skills. So the basis for a great soccer team is many players with developed soccer skills. Practice is where the skills are developed and most soccer time is spent in practice. Make sure practice is fun and drills are interesting.

Training For Skills

Soccer players like to do soccer tricks and to see what they can do with the ball. Really shining as an individual requires knowing and mastering the basics of ball handling and moving. There really are many fun ways to drill in the basic soccer techniques. Keeping the skill building fun will make everybody want to practice and it just builds momentum. The more you like to practice, the more fun practice is.

Training For Teamwork

The coach must set the system, tactics and style of play for the team. Practice can help the players work together to make it all come together as a strategy at game time. Practice helps every player learn to place his position better and move the ball better. It's up to the coach to put the players in positions that will best play to each players strengths and playing style.

Training For Conditioning

Conditioning can help prevent injuries. For younger players just moving around is all the conditioning needed. But as players mature it's important to build muscle to protect joints. It's also vital to teach how to move and turn to prevent injury too. Toughness comes with conditioning too. Tough players keep going and that's an important quality for success.

Soccer techniques are learned in practice. Natural athletic ability is great, but soccer skills must be developed. Training can improve individual skills, team skills and conditioning. Conditioning is essential to prevent injuries.

Fundamentals of Soccer

A few tips for young players, key aspects of the game to keep in mind, both defensively and and when attacking. Of course, don't forget to enjoy yourself when playing, try new things on the pitch and take players on. Look at Ronaldinho for example, he's deadly focused but at the same time he's having fun. A player who cares about his team. He's always smiling and cheering his teammates on. Above all, he wants the ball and wants to make things happen. That's infectious.

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General

* Keep high concentration at all times.
* Stay fit - endurance and strength.
* Be positive and play your best.
* Have realistic expectations of teammates.
* Communicate on the field (don't scream or blame each other).
* Have the ability to combine with players.
* Show creativity and vision.
* Play the way you're facing (play simple).



Defensively

* Be aware at all times.
* Play smart and anticipate.
* Always get behind the ball on defense.
* Stay on the goal side when defending.
* When challenged, make the play predictable so your teammate can anticipate the next pass or play.
* To make a player commit, take a quick step forward and quickly back off using your body to block the run. Not obstructing the player but anticipating the play.
* When faced with a two on one: buy time until help arrives (concede space a bit of space, don't dive in); take away the pass and force the ball in one direction.
* Always recover centrally (toward the penalty spot).
* Always find a free player and mark-up.

Offensively

* Keep it simple.
* Have vision of the entire field.
* Play the ball back when options are limited or dangerous.
* Always look around before collecting a pass.
* Have a first time pass in mind before collecting the ball.
* Be calm with the ball.
* Always be in position to support teammates.
* Give options to player with the ball (check in and check out asking for the ball).
* Keep your elbows up and use your body to protect and shield the ball.
* Take on players in offensive third of the field.
* Dribble toward defender until he leaves his mark then pass or beat him.

Key Training Tips

* Get lots of touches on the ball.
* Small sided games help develop creativity and skill (keep the training area small so players have less time on the ball, must make quick decisions and are always under pressure).