No one is immediately skilled at playing soccer. It takes years to perfect a player's strengths and weaknesses. You can run fast, but not too strong; good at corner kicks, but not good at passing. However, after a lot of practice, your skill level also increases. By doing a few drills every day, you will eventually become a very skilled soccer player.
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Part 1 of 3: Handling Soccer
Step 1. Practice receiving a soccer ball
Look for a large, enclosed wall. We recommend choosing a brick or concrete wall for this exercise. Simply kick the ball so that it hits the wall about 90 cm from the ground. When the ball bounces back, lift your feet in the air. Let the ball touch your feet and fall to the ground. Do it repeatedly for 10 minutes every day.
- You can't kick back. Just lift your leg in the direction the ball bounces. Let the ball come to your feet.
- When holding the ball on the ground, place your foot on the ball so it doesn't roll away.
- Start each drill near the wall. When you feel a little used to it, gradually move away from the wall. When the exercise is over, you should be at least 12 meters away from the wall.
Step 2. Do a juggle
Even the best soccer players take years to master the technique of juggling the ball. However, it's a great way to get used to handling soccer balls and improve hand-eye coordination. Place the ball on the soles of your feet so it doesn't fall. Lift the leg in the air and let the ball bounce up. When the ball goes down, kick it back into the air with the other foot.
- Make sure you kick the ball with the center of your foot. Otherwise, the ball could hit your face or bounce in the opposite direction. The goal of this exercise is to keep the ball close to you, a maximum of 30 cm.
- To keep the ball from going too far, bend your knees up as you kick the ball. If your legs are straight, the ball will move away from your body.
- Do this drill at least 10 minutes a day. It doesn't matter if at first you can only bounce the ball 1-2 times. Keep trying until eventually your skills improve. Try to get 10 bounces before stopping the exercise.
Step 3. Start dribbling
Find a nice open field, or use your backyard. Dribble the ball around the court gently and slowly. Make sure you touch the base of your toes (not your heels) before kicking the ball. Each time the ball is kicked, it should only move 30-60 cm away from you. Do this drill for 10 minutes, or until you circle the court several times.
- Although soccer players use both feet to kick the ball, they have a primary kicking foot. Usually this foot is the dominant foot, which is the foot that is in contact with the hand that is often used (if you are left-handed, that means the dominant foot is the left foot, etc.) This drill will help you find the foot that will be the main kicking foot.
- Your non-dominant foot will be used to step on and balance your body. When dribbling, the non-dominant foot must remain close to the body so as not to kick the ball too far.
- When you get used to dribbling, try to raise your gaze. Both your eyes tend to look at the ball when dribbling, but in play you need to look at the situation around you. It's okay if at first you accidentally trip over the ball while dribbling, but eventually you'll get used to dribbling without looking at the ball.
Step 4. Turn the ball the other way
While you can dribble left or right, you can't make sharp turns using only the top of your foot. This is where the sides of your feet come into play. First of all, dribble as usual for 2.5 meters. As you build speed, move slightly in front of the ball, and keep your dominant kicker in the foot. As it continues to roll, the ball will touch the dominant foot, and turn in the direction you want to go.
- The direction the ball turns depends on the position of your feet. For example, let's say you're on your right foot so the ball needs to be touched to the inside of your foot to bounce to the left. Instead, the ball needs to be touched to the outside of the foot in order to turn right.
- If you just want to change the direction of the ball, step on it and keep your feet firm. If you want to drastically change the direction of the ball, move your foot against the ball so that it kicks slightly in the direction you want it to go.
Step 5. Dribble through obstacles
Prepare several funnels and place them in a straight line with a distance of at least 90 cm. After that, start dribbling through these obstacles. If the funnel is on your left and you are right-footed, lightly kick the ball with the inside of your foot so that it rolls towards the left side of the next funnel. If the funnel is on the right, kick the ball lightly with the outside of your right foot. Make sure the ball rolls towards the right side of the next funnel.
- The guidelines are similar for left-legged people. The difference is, you use a different side of the foot. For example, if the funnel is on the left, kick the ball with the outside of your left foot. If the funnel is on the right, kick the ball with the inside of your left foot.
- After you've dribbled through an obstacle, try changing the position of the funnel. Place them in a zigzag formation, or randomly on the field.
Part 2 of 3: Increasing Skill Sets
Step 1. Pass the ball to a partner
There are two main types of passes in soccer, the horizontal and the long pass. The horizontal pass is used most often and is usually for short passes. Ask a colleague or friend to stand 6 meters from you. A good horizontal pass uses the outside or inside of the foot instead of the toe.
- Keep your non-dominant foot about 30 cm from the ball. Then, swing your dominant leg back with moderate force. When your foot kicks the ball, make sure the inside of your dominant foot hits the ball.
- The goal of this pass is to pass the ball to the opponent without making the ball bounce. The ball must remain on the ground until it lands on a partner's feet.
- Pass the ball back and forth. Do it for 10-15 minutes every day. Make sure you aim your pass towards your partner because during the match your passing must be accurate. As you practice, you can increase your passing distance, from 6 meters to 12 meters.
Step 2. Send the ball even further
Another major type of pass in football is the pass. This pass is made when the partner is more than 15 meters away. Instead of wearing the inside of the leg, you use the upper. Ask your partner to be at least 15 meters away from you. Take a few steps back to build kick power
- As you move toward the ball, place your non-dominant foot next to the ball, just like a horizontal pass. Swing your dominant leg back at full power.
- As your foot drops down, make sure your dominant foot hits when it's just above your toes. This way the ball can gain maximum angle and slide and be pushed away from the ground.
- Continue to adjust the strength of the operand. You may need full leg strength to be able to perform a stomach pass. Try to pass as accurately as possible. Continue practicing passes with a partner for 10 minutes a day.
Step 3. Keep the ball away from defenders
When playing soccer, defenders will come, press and try to steal the ball. To prepare yourself, do drill exercises with a friend. First of all, dribble as usual on the field. Partners will then come and run with you. He will try to steal the ball while your job is to protect the ball as hard as you can.
- The best way to do this is to position your body properly. If the opposing defender is on the left, move your body to the left to block the opposing player.
- You can also use your arms to offend your opponent. However, don't be too aggressive because you will get a foul (or even a yellow card).
- Do this drill as far as 6-9 meters. You can then switch roles to practice both defensive and attacking skills.
Step 4. Kick the ball from the corner
When the soccer ball goes out over your side line, the opposing team will get a corner kick. The goal of a corner kick is to bend it so that it is towards the goal. Place the ball in the corner closest to the point where the ball came out. If you're just practicing, feel free to use the angle you want. Take three steps back so you can run to kick the ball.
- Start running towards the ball. When the momentum increases, place your left foot on the left side of the ball. Swing right leg at full power.
- When kicking, make sure the ball hits the top left edge of the right foot. This creates a curved path of the ball towards the goal.
- Repeat several times until you find the right distance and power. Have a partner prepare to head the ball into the goal, or receive and kick it for a goal.
Step 5. Score a goal
While live practice matches are a great way to hone your goalscoring skills, you can do some of the exercises on your own, or with a partner. Stand about 11 meters from the goal (according to the penalty kick distance). Use the pass technique of the stomach, and try to "pass" into the goal. Take a few steps back to get maximum speed and power to shoot the ball.
- Run to the ball. Place your non-dominant foot on the side of the ball. Lift dominant leg back at full power. When your foot is lowered, make sure you hit the ball just above your toes.
- Choose a specific goal point that you want to target. Try to get three accurate shots in a row at that point before moving on to the next point. You can also ask your partner to take on the role of goalkeeper and try to parry your shot.
- Move the ball to various points on the field. Alternate the power of your shot depending on the distance from the goal to the point you choose.
Part 3 of 3: Perfecting the Game
Step 1. Head the ball
Headers are usually used when a partner passes from a corner of the field. To practice this shot, have a partner stand in front of you about 3 meters away. Your partner will pass the ball to your head. Start with a straight header. This means that your feet are still on the ground when heading. Bend back as the ball approaches you. When the ball is almost there, push your head forward.
- Head the ball with the forehead. Do it when your head is straight with your body. For example, don't head over when you bend too far back or forward. Do this so that your head is in its normal position and upright.
- Do a jumping header. The trick is the same as a straight header, only you have to jump first. When jumping, tilt your body back. Push your head forward to meet the ball. Head the ball with the forehead when the head is in its normal position and the body is at the highest point of the jump.
- Perform a standing header drill and jump 10 times per exercise. Heading drills should not be overdone as they can cause a concussion over time.
Step 2. Perform the shoulder feint during the match
This movement may be very simple, but the impact is quite significant. Dribbling the ball as far as 3-6 meters. When approaching an opposing player, tilt your shoulder to the left as if in that direction. Then, turn the ball 45 degrees to the right using the outside of your right foot.
- You can do the opposite movement. Tilt your shoulders to the right, then turn the ball 45 degrees to the left using the outside of your left foot.
- Opponent defenders will think you're going one way, and be fooled. After completing the move, continue dribbling past your opponent.
- Ask a partner to act as the opponent's defender. Practice until the successful trick is done 10 times.
Step 3. Perform Cruyff Turn
The purpose of this move is to catch your opponent off guard. Practice dribbling 3-6 meters to build momentum. Then, you pretend to be passing the ball. Place your dominant foot a few inches in front of the ball. Then, pull your dominant leg as if you were kicking a ball.
- Instead of kicking the ball straight away, you hit the ball with the inside of your dominant foot. Kick the ball to the side, behind the non-dominant foot.
- Rotate the body clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the foot with which you kick. Find the ball and continue dribbling in the desired direction.
- To practice, have a partner act as the opponent's defender. Keep your tricks secret and see if you can fool your opponent. Remember, this move only works when your opponent is in front of you. Otherwise, the ball will land on the opponent's feet.
Step 4. Master the scissor movement
Like the Cruyff Turn, this move is designed to catch your opponent off guard. Practice dribbling 3-6 meters to build speed and momentum. Place your left foot, about 30 cm from the left side of the ball. Pull your right foot as if you were kicking a ball. As you swing your right foot down, rotate your right foot around the ball, clockwise, without touching the ball.
- After completing the round, place your right foot on the right side of the ball. Lift your left leg and kick the ball to the left.
- To make your opponent fool to the right, turn with your right foot and kick with your left. If you want to outwit your opponent to the left, turn your left foot and kick with your right.
- You also do a double scissors movement (double scissors) by rotating the right foot first, then followed by rotating the left foot. After both laps have been made, step on the left foot and kick towards the right with the right foot.
Step 5. Apply Zico Cut in match
This move allows you to outwit your opponent and break through. Dribble about 3-6 meters to build momentum. Place your right foot 30 cm on the right side of the ball. Then, lift the left edge of the left foot, and tap the right side of the ball (both feet are now to the right of the ball).
- Maintain control of the ball with your left foot while turning your body counterclockwise, moving your right foot with your body.
- After making a 360-degree turn, while keeping control of the ball with your left foot, start dribbling again. Opponents will be caught off guard and fooled in the opposite direction.
- You can do this movement in the opposite direction. You simply put your left foot while maintaining control with your right. Rotate your torso and left leg counterclockwise until you make a 360-degree turn. After that, continue dribbling.
Tips
- Run while dribbling to increase your sprint speed.
- Practice and compete with friends.
- Stretch before training and competing.
- Pass the ball back to the team behind you if there are too many opponents behind you.
- Be a team player and pass the ball when other players on your team have a better chance of scoring a goal.
- Before competing, eat a banana so you don't get cramps during the match. Match your playing speed to the match so you don't suffer from cramps and burn out too quickly.
Warning
- When you're heading, make sure the ball hits your forehead, not the crown of your head. Doing headers repeatedly and for a long time can interfere with brain chemical reactions.
- Make sure your body fluids are always maintained. Don't let you faint. If you need emergency treatment, call an ambulance immediately.
- Make sure you look around. Don't accidentally hit another player with a soccer ball.
