How to Become a Good Soccer Player

More than 17 million kids play soccer in America and untold millions more play globally. On top of that are adult leagues that are introducing the sport to people who never played it before, so it is safe to say that soccer is the world's biggest sport. And it may be the most challenging when it comes to becoming a better player. Every kid wants to play in the World Cup. Every adult wants to play well on the weekend. The problem isn't availability, but how much a person wants to put into getting better.

Things You'll Need

  • Soccer ball(s)
  • Grass/turf to play on
  • Time
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Instructions

  1. Practice makes perfect

    • 1

      Practice. A player can't get better if they don't practice everyday for more than 30 minutes, according to Andrew Hyslop, executive director of the Carolina Elite Soccer Academy, which is one of the most highly recognized soccer programs in the United States. "It's all what you put into it," Hyslop said. He said a player needs a ball at their feet every day to get better.

    • 2

      Juggle the ball. Spend time practicing bouncing the ball off parts of your body such as your chest, feet, head and knees. That will help you build hand-eye coordination.

    • 3

      Running and stretching. Stretching the legs is key because it prevents injuries. A limber player who can last on the field is much more valuable to a great ball dribbler who tires out in the first five minutes of a match. A player should be able to run a mile with ease.

    • 4

      Work on explosiveness. Quicks bursts of energy can turn a game around quickly. While soccer is a running and endurance game, those quicks bursts of energy can turn a game around quickly.

    • 5

      Set goals. Getting better will come if you set benchmarks. Juggle the ball for five minutes on day and then extend to 10 by the end of the week. Work on foot drills and set penalties for yourself if you make a mistake.

    • 6

      Practice shooting. One effective training tip is called "arc shooting." Set up a row of balls in an arc about 20 feet from the goal. Kick the first ball toward the goal and then proceed until you are done kicking. Focus on speed as well as accuracy.

    • 7

      Learn to pass. Practice kicking the ball to a set spot such as an orange cone or even a pair of soccer spikes. Do this while running, and you will see improvement.This may be the toughest to learn when done on your own because passing the ball requires someone to receive it, who usually is moving as well.

    • 8

      Work on dribbling. Dribbling the ball, which is the ability to run while kicking the ball in short bursts, can easily be developed on your own. Set up a series of orange cones about three feet apart and practice dribbling the ball back and forth between them. To make it more challenging, set up the cones in formations such as an "S" to simulate a game better.