Becoming a better player

How to Improve as a Soccer Player

1)  Watch soccer games

Do so with a purpose.  Just like on the soccer field, don’t just watch the ball.  Watch the runs off the ball.  Watch the positioning of the defenders.  Pay attention to how players receive the ball.

You should also be able to find MLS games, US national team games, and international games to watch on television.  Look online for tv listings.  You can also watch highlights online.

2)  Work on the fundamental skills listed below

Fast footwork Toe taps Fast footwork moves (focus on first 5 segments up to the “T” test) 1000 touch drill	Turns 3 basic turns (inside hook, outside hook, and pull back) Step over turn Cruyff turn	Juggling With your feet   With your thighs With your head With your feet -- advanced	Controlling a ball in the air Bring the ball down with your feet Settling the ball with your chest
Dribbling and attacking moves Dribbling The pull back V Lunge Scissors The Maradona	Passing Basic passing One touch passing Receiving a pass Line-drive pass (Pinging) The killer pass Chipping	Shooting Shooting with power Turn and shoot How to volley	Defending Defending 1 v 1 When to commit to a tackle Playing against a fast attacker

Click on the links to see a short video on that skill.  For more soccer skill videos, go to the ball skills wikispace.

3)  Set distinct goals

                Set goals and work on them each week.  In soccer 15 minutes of skill work each day will pay incredible dividends over the course of the summer.

4)  Become a smarter soccer player
                Smart soccer teams usually beat dumb teams, all other things being equal.  So, how do you become a smart soccer player?  While there is no shortcut to "soccer smarts" or experience, you can learn to make better decisions on the soccer field by taking the NSCAA's "Quizzies."  These are 20 5-question quizzes based on tactical situations.  These are tough, so don't be disappointed if you get them wrong.  Right or wrong, though, be sure to read the explanation at the bottom before moving on to the next question.  You will soon get the hang of them.
                Another good way to become a smarter soccer player, believe it or not, is to play soccer video games.  These mimic in remarkably life-like ways the situations you will often find on the soccer field.