How to Open Up in Soccer

Soccer, widely known internationally as "football," is indisputably the world's most popular sport. Although soccer has less of a history in the United States than in other continents, it is growing rapidly and constantly progressing to a higher, more competitive level. Soccer is a team sport played by 10 field players and a goalie, in which strategy and teamwork are essential to success. Opening up is easy to learn and will improve your team's scoring opportunities.

Instructions

    • 1

      Keep your head up and be aware of what is going on in the game. A soccer game has 22 players on the field, so always have an idea of where your teammates are. Even if you have the ball at your feet, do not look down. Practice dribbling with your head up until you have it mastered; it will greatly improve your game.

    • 2

      Keep the ball moving by passing back and forth between your teammates. Holding the ball for too long will allow defenders to tackle you and cause you to lose possession of the ball, resulting in a dangerous turnover. Make quick, short passes to draw the defenders into the center of the field as they try to gain back possession.

    • 3

      Open up by making a run, without the ball, into the wide space on either side of the pitch. Timing is everything, so start your run as soon as you release the ball for a pass to a teammate in the center of the field. Your teammate will spot you and will pass the ball back to you while you are still open. This will give you the option to either send a cross in for someone to head onto goal, or to dribble toward the goal on a breakaway.