Soccer Training 101

Soccer Training Tips for Young Players

It can be a very exciting day for parents – the day that you child takes an interest in an organized sport. Maybe you have always dreamed of being a “soccer mom”, or of being the father of the star player on the team. But, wait! Before you go off dreaming of your child carrying around the World Cup, remember that you are only at the beginning. Here are some training tips to get you and your budding soccer player into the game.

Remember, all good soccer players must start with the basics. Therefore, some of the important things that your child needs to know are the basic skills and concepts of the game.

Dribbling is an essential skill to learn. Of course, while there may be a natural or two out there, almost everyone is going to need to practice. Keep practice fun, so that your child enjoys doing them. You can dribble a ball down the field and back – racing against a teammate or against a previous record. Or get a game of “keep away” going between several players. Not only will that improve their dribbling skills, they will be working on shielding the ball as well.

Next, your child needs to learn not to be afraid of the ball. Soccer is very physical, and they have to be willing to go in for it and play aggressively. This does not mean punching another player in the face, however. For aggressive play, your child needs to be willing to go for loose balls that either team has a chance of winning and not be afraid to try to steal the ball from opposing players. If your child has dreams of being a goalie, then he or she definitely cannot be afraid of contact with the ball, but instead must be willing to dive for it at all costs. Naturally timid children may be hesitant at this, since they are used to calmer play with less risk of getting hurt. Practicing in a safe environment should help them get over these fears.

Passing and receiving balls is another essential skill. Nearly all passes and receptions of soccer are on the inside of the foot, yet many players use an incorrect technique. If this incorrect technique continues, it will become even more difficult to correct as time goes on. Show proper techniques at a young age, and practice frequently.

Another skill that budding soccer players need is the ability to communicate with each other. This includes a basic understanding of common soccer terms. These may include: far/back post – the part of the goal farthest from the ball; near/first post – the part of the goal closest to the ball; center – or the area roughly between the two goals where the game is started; midfield – which should not be confused with center, but instead is the 1/3 of the field containing the halfway line and center circle; cross/center the ball – which refers to passing the ball to the area in front of the goal; mark – guarding one-on one; and win the ball – gain possession of a loose ball that has an equal chance of being picked up by the opposing team. If the coach has slang or code words for different things, then it is important for the player to learn these as well.

Soccer Training Skills

Soccer training skills involve those skill sets, which are necessary in order to be able to play the game successfully. There are a number of skills, which are necessary when it comes to being able to play the game of soccer and incorporate all the moves necessary to bring together the team and the plays, which are standard in the game of soccer.

Dribbling

Dribbling is one of the essential skills when it comes to learning soccer training skills. It allows you to move the ball between your feet to keep the ball moving which is one of the essential aspects of soccer. It is important to ensure that the ball stays moving when it is in play.

Here’s a great soccer dribbling drill that demonstrates the roll and scissor move.

Passing

Passing is probably one of the more difficult of the soccer training skills. It involves being able to kick the ball over to another person or pass the ball. It is not so much the passing that is part of the skill set it is making sure that while you are moving you kick the ball with the right direction and speed to get it to the intended player. This takes both skill and practice.

Simple Soccer’s 21 Fun Games and Drills DVD

Shooting

Shooting is one of the soccer training skills that no one can do without; this involves getting the ball into the net. There are several different types of shooting which can be done and it is important to practice the power, speed and agility that are necessary in order to handle the ball successfully.

Professional soccer coach and player Dean Jacobs shows how to teach youth soccer players vital techniques with fun games and drills. Soccer Bowling teaches soccer players how to work on kicking, shooting, passing, and accuracy in a fun-filled environment. This is a must-see for all coaches and parents.

Heading

Heading the ball is one of the soccer training skills that are essential in order to not only play the game of soccer but to play it safely. People who are unable to head the ball correctly are at greater risk of injury than individuals who have mastered the skill of heading. Heading the ball involves taking the ball with your head or catching the ball using your head, which is why not knowing how to do it correctly, can be a dangerous proposition.

Use headers to trap, control and shoot the soccer ball with your head. Learn how in this free beginner soccer lesson on video, with training in basic skills and moves.

Volley

The volley is probably one of the more advantageous of the soccer training skills. This particular skill puts an incredible amount of power into a kick and ultimately into a goal. The entire possess  involves kicking the ball during the fall of the ball using the laces of the shoes. This increases the power of the kick and it gives a large advantage over the goalie.

Soccer training skills are essential when it comes to being successfully when it comes to playing the game of soccer. There are many skills necessary in order to make the numerous plays that are found in the game and that can give you the advantage when it comes to actual game play. Soccer training skills are designed to provide you with the necessary tools that you need in order to be able to play the game of soccer successfully. These skills include being able to pass the ball, volley the ball both in full and half volleys and head the ball as well as dribbling the ball.

Visit Total Soccer Training for all the most complete soccer program.