SOCCER PICTURES

5 Ways to Improve Your Soccer Skills

5 WAYS TO IMPROVE YOUR SOCCER SKILLS!

1 TOUCH. Juggle with the ball. Aim for 1000 touches on the ball each day. You learn to juggle in 3 stages, 1-3 juggles, 3-10 juggles, 10+ juggles. To help you get started, you can use your hands and you can let the ball bounce as well, all you are aiming for is lots of touches on the ball. The hardest stage is 3-10 touches, this seems to cause beginners the most frustration, but stick with it. Once you can consistently juggle the ball 10 times, you are off to the races and 10-20 gets easier, the 50, then 100 and beyond.

2. PASS and/or SHOOT against a WALL. Find a wall and pass and shoot against it and control the rebound. This may sound simple and basic, but it is no different to going to the driving range to practice your golf shot or using one of those machines at tennis that serve balls to you. You can work on passing, shooting and controlling the ball and start with controlling the ball first and then passing or shooting and then build up to first time passes and shots.

3. TURNS. Practice all six turns, INSIDE HOOK, OUTSIDE HOOK, DRAG BACK, STEPOVER, CRUYFF and STOP TURN. Master each turn at game like speed and then do combinations of turns e.g. inside hook, take a touch into space and then do a stop turn. Keep working on this until you can do routines involving all 6 turns one after another

4. MOVES/DRIBBLES. There are so many fancy moves, some named after stars e.g. Stanley Matthews, Maradona, Scissors, Touch Touch etc. You don't need to know how to do all of them. Just perfect two moves that you can do with both feet and that you can both take on the defender on their inside and outside. When I say perfect them, you need to be able to do these at game like speed without looking at the ball and be able to produce an end product, either a shot or a pass.

5. CONTROL. Find some open space and kick the ball up in the air. As it comes down work on controlling it with your feet, thighs, chest and head. Once you get the hang of controlling the ball, then add a turn or a move or a shot or pass against the wall.

Half ATW

HALF ATW(AROUND THE WORLD)!

The half-ATW is the half version of the ATW ( Around the World). But what's the difference between half-ATW and full ATW? To put it simply, the full ATW can be done using one foot whereas the half ATW is done by using two feet. Confused ? Basically you're doing the same technique but just that after completing rotation with the ball, you kick it up with another. Here are some steps to get you started:

Step One
The simplest way to begin by balancing the ball on your foot ( foot stall )

Step Two
Lift it slightly and rotate it, as you rotate make sure the other foot is ready to receive the ball.

Step Three
Complete the rotation with one foot and kick or plant with the other.

Tip: Lift the ball slightly higher so that you have time for your other foot to kick the ball

It's a hard soccer trick at first because you're using both feet. But as you practice, it becomes easier. Happy freestyling!

The Toe Flick-up (a.k.a Ronaldinho Flick)

THE TOE FLICK-UP(A.K.A rONALDINHO FLICK)

This is a pretty neat trick made popular by Ronaldinho a couple of years back, especially in the nike joga bonito ad series. Basically it is one that can be used to get the ball off the ground in a more creative manner rather than the old 'pull-back and flick-up'. This trick can be done by most beginners with some practice.

Here's a step by step guide on how to perform the toe flick followed by a short video:

step 1: For starters, place the ball between both feet, slightly to the front of of the foot.

step 2: Move the ball swiftly with the front sole (bottom of your foot) towards the standing foot.

step 3: As the ball makes contact with your standing foot, flick the ball up with the standing foot using a tiny amount of movement ( this takes practice to perfect).

step 4: Practice as much as you can, soon it'll be pretty easy and once you can flick it up as high as your waist, then perhaps, you can add on a juggling trick.

Tip: Move your standing foot in a manner that would be 'just enough' for the ball to 'jump' off it. Try to keep your balance, and continue juggling with your kicking foot once the ball is up.

How to trap a soccer ball

HOW TO TRAP A SOCCER BAll!

It is important for young players to learn how to trap a soccer ball. Trapping a soccer ball means stopping the ball so one is able to control it. Trapping of the soccer ball is basic, but one of the most important soccer skills to teach soccer players. Many high school soccer players could easily improve their soccer game by improving their trapping of the soccer ball.

Trapping the soccer ball – how to trap the soccer ball.
We suggest watching the trapping soccer video to see the four basic soccer trap drills in action.

The four main soccer trap skills taught are:

1) Roof Trap – stepping on a soccer ball that is low in the air
2) Inside Foot Trap – the side of the foot is used to trap the rolling soccer ball
3) Chest Trap – the chest is used to stop the soccer ball that is higher in the air
4) Thigh Trap – stopping the knee-to-waist high soccer ball with the thigh

How to trap a rolling ball:
Simply step on top of it or use the side of the foot to trap it.

How to trap a bouncing ball:
Estimate where the ball will hit the ground, move to that spot turning your foot sideways and off the ground. Trap the soccer ball with your instep as the ball hits the ground, allowing the backspin of the ball to bring it to you.

More Soccer Ball Trap Tips:
A soccer player can practice trapping the ball by kicking it up against a wall. Be sure to practice
trapping rolling balls, bouncing balls and balls that come back to you in the air. The goal of a
trapped soccer ball is to gain control of it first, so that a good pass or shot can be executed.
Learning to judge the ball correctly takes time and practice, but the benefits will show up in your soccer game almost immediately. When the ball comes back to you to trap it on the ground, allow the ball to knock your foot back a bit, so as to absorb the shock. This is known as “relaxing the
foot.” This will deaden the ball and stop it at your feet almost instantly, if the foot moves slight back, is relaxed and allowed to absorb ball shock.
If the soccer ball has a lot of spin on it while in the air, the soccer player must learn how to counter the spin of the ball. A ball that is spinning forward and toward you should be trapped by moving the foot gently back; backward spins should be trapped utilizing the upper foot if possible. Side spinning soccer balls can sometimes be trapped between the foot and the ground, or simply toe- kicked straight up and in front of the soccer player to the thigh or chest, and then settled.

Soccer Warm up

SOCCER WARM UP!

The true soccer athlete will prepare the body before a game with a good warm-up.

A warm-up should begin about 30 minutes before competition, with muscle massage in cold
weather, then light jogging to slowly increase cardiovascular activity. It is not a bad idea to
then begin ballistic stretching of muscles in your warm-up, and then move to skill practice
with the soccer ball; then to soccer drills with the entire dream. A soccer warm-up is
important to physically and mentally become “match ready.”

Strengthening Muscles for Soccer

STRENGTHENING MUSCLES FOR SOCCER!

Soccer players should also work at strengthening muscles through a weight training
regimen, using a coach (and spotter if using free weights). 2-3 days per week on the
weight machine (or with free weights) should do the trick.

Even though soccer is played with the legs, players can benefit from also strengthening
muscles of the entire body. The upper body is used frequently to shield and block
opponents from the ball, so the muscle conditioned soccer player will not easily be pushed
off the ball. Do not forget to work the legs (calves, hamstrings, quadriceps, buttocks, etc),
as well as the arms (biceps, triceps), chest (pectoralis majors), abdomen and back (laterals)
muscles.

Strengthening muscles says it all; look for muscle strength not size and bulkiness. That way
agility will not be lost, but enhanced. The best soccer players use strengthening of their
muscles as part of their conditioning program.

Soccer Diet & Nutrition

SOCCER DIET & NUTRITION!

Soccer Diet & Nutrition: Water
It is important to stay well hydrated when practicing and playing the game of soccer. Water
and sports drinks without sugars are the best liquids to do just that. Juices and soda pops
are not good for the athlete, nor is caffeine. Caffeine can actually dehydrate the body.
Good sports drinks will provide some carbohydrates and electrolytes to help increase the
rate of fluid absorption. Thus a good sport drink is slightly better than just plain water,
therefore many athletes enjoy the flavors and advantages they bring over H2O. Many
soccer players drink small amounts of water, but frequently. The small amounts allow time
for absorption, and do not upset the stomach.

Soccer Diet & Nutrition: Fat
Consuming fat calories, for the soccer player, is pretty much meaningless and should be
avoided (or at least minimized), as fat does not provide a great deal of energy.
Carbohydrates and proteins are thus the best diet to provide energy and build muscle.

Soccer Diet & Nutrition: Protein
Eating meats, nuts and eggs will provide a great source of protein for the soccer player’s
diet. However, proteins should only make up a small part of the diet, as carbohydrates will
be the main source of the soccer player’s energy. Proteins are good for nutrition, because
they replenish cells and muscle, but they should be eaten sparingly before a soccer game.

Soccer Diet & Nutrition: Carbs
Carbohydrates, such as potatoes (starches), bread, cereals, pastas (flours), and low-fat
dairy products, provide great energy for long, endurance-needed sports, such as soccer.
To prepare for a soccer game, the intake of carbs should be increased, while the intake of
proteins decreased.

Soccer Aerobic Drills

SOCCER AEROBIC DRILLS!

Aerobic soccer drills are really not so much drills as they are finding a way to run distances
(jog) to simulate the duration of soccer game play. Soccer players who play almost an
entire game with little substitution can possibly run 5 miles or more per game. Are you
ready to run the 90 minutes that soccer may demand? This is why some high school
coaches have their players begin summer practice running 5-8 miles to begin their aerobic
conditioning. Aerobic soccer drills build stamina. To do this, the soccer player must do
aerobic soccer drills for a continuous 20 minutes or more, and thus strengthen the body’s
cardiovascular system. Cardio workouts are key in any sport and in good health.

There is no easy way to do aerobic drills, as they simply equate to time and jogging. We
would recommend that during jogging drills that the head be up and not swinging from side
to side or up and down. Good arm swing is also important for your aerobic soccer drills, as
well as landing on the central foot, shifting weight from the back to the front. As with all
drills, take frequent water breaks between.

Aerobic Drills: Dribbling
Have soccer players dribble around the soccer field (some soccer coaches have their
players dribble all over within the soccer field) with the soccer ball at a slow jog (no walking)
for 20-30 minutes. This aerobic drill will make the soccer conditioning workout a bit more
fun, while improving ball handling skills.

Aerobic Drills: Long Jog
Have soccer players jog 2-3 miles at a slower pace. As their conditioning level grows, the
miles can be increased to 4 or more. This aerobic drill should increase cardiovascular
endurance.

Aerobic Drills: Short Jog
Have soccer players jog a quick 1-1.5 mile run once every 2-3 days. This aerobic drill
should increase muscle endurance.


Note on Aerobic: Soccer players should try and run some on their own time, say before
school (or work), or on the weekend. The better the aerobic conditioning, the better the
play on the field. Can you imagine not being affected by the duration of the contest?

Soccer Anaerobic Drills

SOCCER ANAEROBIC DRILLS!

Anaerobic Soccer Drills for Conditioning

Anaerobic soccer drills should have intervals of intense physical activity and rest. This best
mimics the game of soccer. Anaerobic drills for soccer will reduce body fat, as well as burn
a tremendous amount of calories. Any anaerobic soccer drills that may be used by soccer
players should always be more intense than jogging for conditioning, but also should be
shorter in duration. Thus, anaerobic soccer conditioning should make the soccer player
able to withstand the demands of the game’s intense activity, while being able to recover
more quickly. A soccer match will have non-stop sprinting and jogging that will be required
out of everyone, especially mid-fielders and forwards. The following are just two drills to use:

Anaerobic Drills: Sideline to Sideline
Run from one sideline to the other, but alternate by doing a sprint, then jog back; sprint
then jog back. Repeat 5-8 times.

Anaerobic Drills: Fartlek
Another sprint and rest technique that many soccer players use is called a Fartlek. The
idea is to sprint a short distance and rest 5 seconds; sprint a little bit longer distance and
rest 4 seconds; sprint an even farther distance and rest three seconds and so forth.
Repeat drill 5-8 times.

Soccer Agility Drills

SOCCER AGILITY DRILLS!

Agility Drills: Left vs Right
Have soccer players stand at the middle line(of three lines marked out by cones if need be)
for this agility drill. Have players sprint to the left line and touch it with their left hand; then
sprint to the right line and touch it with their right hand. Make sure players are touching
the lines with the correct hand. Outside lines are spaced about 10 yards apart. Have
players repeat this agility drill 5-10 times depending on their conditioning. Players end at
the center line.

Another variation of this agility drill is to only have two lines (a starting line and a touching
line) and have them end on the same line as they started, but through the drill, players still
touch the lines with the corresponding hand.

Agility Drills: Ladder Drill:
Set cones out to represent a line from the starting line every five yards. Have players sprint
out to each line and touch it, come back and proceed to the next further line, touch it and
come back, etc. Repeat drill 5-10 times depending on conditioning.

Another variation of this agility drill is to have soccer players shuffle sideways to each line
and sprint back to the starting line. Coaches may also like to have soccer players run
backwards to each line, then sprint back.

Agility Drills: Soccer Ladder
With soccer ladder drills, soccer players should try and keep back straight and square with
the hips. As agility increases, so should the speed at which they can perform each drill.
Repeat each agility drill 5-10 times depending on conditioning.

Agility Drills L1: Using a soccer rope ladder, have players run through the ladder touching
each foot in each square. Players should pump the arms and keep knees high.

Agility Drills L2: Using a soccer ladder, have players go through the ladder sideways,
touching each foot in each square. Have them go through leading with the left foot, then
return leading with the right foot.

Agility Drills L3: Using a soccer ladder, have players go through the ladder sideways, but
having each foot touch twice in each square. Have them go through, leading with the left
foot, then return leading with the right foot.

Agility Drills L4: Using a soccer ladder (and having the players standing at the beginning,
but to the left of it), have players move their right foot into the first square, then bring the
left foot into the square, next to the right foot. Then bring the right foot and plant it outside
of the right side of the ladder. Repeat this sequence, beginning with left foot into the
second square, and so forth.

Soccer Conditioning

SOCCER CONDITIONING!

Soccer conditioning is important, but should not require the same drills
for the entire team. For example, an outside midfielder needs to have
the greatest endurance to be able to run the entire length of the soccer
field, and speed is also important for this position. Defensive players will
of course need to be conditioning for the big field, but do not have to be
able to run the entire length, even though endurance and speed are
important at every position. Forwards need to have the best speed
possible with the best foot skills. Different soccer players will be at
different levels of fitness and have different requirements for their
conditioning and position.

There probably is no perfect routine that every soccer player should do.
Soccer conditioning can serve a different purpose for each individual
and best helps each one's personal goal.

These soccer conditioning drills are simply guidelines and should be
used to help coaches and soccer players to develop proper technique
first. Then they should increase in speed, strength and intensity to
develop the best soccer conditioning possible. Most soccer players
work on speed, agility, endurance, flexibility, and muscle strength.
One's personal conditioning program should also include a good,
healthy diet.

Passing Soccer Drills

PASSING SOCCER DRILLS!

Passing Soccer Drills: Basic Passing
Divide the soccer team into pairs, with each pair having a soccer ball. Players should practice making good passes and work to trap the ball properly. This passing drill can be altered to also practice one-touch passing, without trapping the soccer ball first. Have player switch to the opposite trapping and passing leg to develop skills in both feet.

Passing Soccer Drills: Circle Passing
Players can practice passing in this drill by forming a circle and passing the ball across it to another player. Use two players in the middle of the circle to try and intercept passes made by the players who form the circle. This is sort of like “monkey in the middle.” When a player has a pass intercepted, that player goes into the middle in place of the person who intercepted the ball.

Passing Soccer Drills: Pressure passing
Arrange the soccer players into a big circle, such as the center circle of the soccer field, and place one player in the middle. Using two balls, players forming the circle take turns passing to the man in the middle, who must trap and make a good pass to a player on the circle (who must also trap and make a good pass to the center player). As soon as the player in the center makes the pass to an outside player, another ball is passed to him which he must trap and pass back to another outside player, and so on. This passing drill should be played fast and really teaches the importance of quick and accurate passing. The player in the center of the circle should keep their head up and be looking at the target. Switch the player in the middle after a minute or two. This drill also may be used to work on one-touch passing.

Passing Soccer Drills: Triangle / Square Pass
Arrange soccer players into a three player triangle or four player square. Each group of players work to trap and pass around the triangle or square. After a few minutes, have the soccer players switch directions and use the opposite leg to trap and pass. This passing drill should help develop good passing with both legs and trapping skills with both legs. A defender may be added to try and intercept the passes.

Passing Soccer Drills: Running Square Pass
Set up a 10 yard x 10 yard square using a cone at each of the four corners. Select four players to run around the outside of the square (one player on each side) and give the ball to one of the players. Players try and make good passes across the square and to a player on the move on another side, while everyone is jogging. After a while, add a defender in the middle to try and steal the ball. Rotate the defender.

Passing Soccer Drills: Triangles
Arrange three soccer players into a triangle (about ten yards apart from each other). Player one passes the soccer ball to player two and immediately runs between player two and three (forming a new triangle), while player two is passing to player three. Player two then runs between players three and one to form a new triangle, while player three is passing to player one, and so forth. This is a great passing drill that is quick, and develops good passing, while learning to create open space and avoiding having the ball kicked away, as each pass must dodge the running player. Peripheral vision is also increased through this
passing drill.

Passing Drills: Three ball Keep-a-Way
Divide soccer players into two teams of equal numbers and play with just three soccer balls. The goal of this passing soccer drill is for each team to try and possess as many balls as possible when play ends on the coach’s whistle. This passing drill should develop strong passing and teach the concept of finding open space, while players learn how to make good decisions in dribbling and passing. The team with possession of two or more balls wins each match.

Shooting Soccer Drills

SHOTTING SOCCER DRILLS!

Shooting Soccer Drills: Go For Goal
Soccer players form two lines on each side of the coach who is standing about twenty yards from the goal. The coach kicks the ball toward the goal (about half the distance) while each player takes a turn (alternating from each line) racing to the ball and shooting. This drill may be played with or without a goalie, and is designed to teach a good first touch on the ball and proper soccer shooting technique. Sometimes, coaches may elect to have a player from each line compete against one another to win the ball and shoot.

Shooting Soccer Drills: Hit the Cone
Set up cones in a line four feet apart and line up two players facing one another on each opposing side of each cone. So for each cone, there should be two players facing each other with the cone in between them 20-25 yards away. Players take turns shooting at the cone in between them. If the cone is missed, their partner should try and trap the ball and take his or her shot at the cone. Have players do this shooting drill in one minute intervals to see who can knock down the most cones in that time period.

Shooting Soccer Drills: Pass & Shoot
Set up two cones as a goal or use a regular soccer goal and have players form two equal lines about thirty yards in front of the goal. Choose a goalkeeper to defend the goal. Have one line of players take turns passing the ball out in front of the goal (about half way), while a player from the second line runs out, traps the ball and shoots. After each pair goes, they then return to the back of the opposite line. The goalie rolls the ball back to the passing line. You can use more than one ball to keep the lines flowing.

Shooting Soccer Drills: Shoot Against The Goalie
In this shooting drill, teams of two have a ball and four cones. The cones are to be set up ten yards apart as a goal at each end of the drill area. Each player takes turns being the goalie and shooting. Players may shoot a stationary ball, or work on dribbling up and shooting. Also, the goalie can roll the ball to the shooter
to practice one-touch shots.

Shooting Soccer Drills: Quick Shot
In this shooting drill, have several teams of three soccer players take turns playing goalie, offense and defense. A goal is made up of simply two cones with the goalie in front, a defender in front of the goalie and the offensive player trying to score. Players take turns shooting and defending the goal. If the goalie stops the shot, he simply rolls it out to the offensive player and play resumes again. Switch the players often.

Shooting Soccer Drills: Pass & Shoot
Mark out a 30 yard x 30 yard square with cones and goals (or two cones) ate each end. Two equal teams compete in trying to complete four passes before being allowed to shoot at their opponent’s goal. If they lose possession, the passing count begins again.

Shooting Soccer Drills: Cones & Shoot
Two lines of players take turns dribbling the soccer ball through two thirty-yard lines of cones, and then shooting at the goal at the end. Players try and dribble quickly through the cones and score before the next player begins dribbling through the cones.

Shooting Soccer Drills: Cone Kick Down
This soccer drill is played just like a soccer game, but instead of shooting at goals the soccer players on each team shoot at five cones set up in place of the goals at each goal line. Played with no goalies, the first team to knock down all five cones wins the game

Dribbling Soccer Drills

DRIBBLING SOCCER DRILLS

Dribbling Soccer Drills: The Beehive
Mark out a 20 yard x 20 yard square with cones. Each soccer player dribbles their own soccer ball inside the square using dribbling and foot skills to avoid other players. The idea of this soccer drill is to maintain control and dribble with the inside and outside of the foot, while stopping and changing direction and speed.

Dribbling Soccer Drills: Attack & Protect
Mark out a 20 yard x 20 yard square with cones. Each soccer player dribbles their own soccer ball inside the square using dribbling and foot skills to avoid other players, while trying to kick other players’ soccer balls out of the square (all while protecting their own soccer ball).

Dribbling Soccer Drills: King of the Ring
Mark out a 20 yard x 20 yard square with cones. Each soccer player dribbles their own soccer ball inside the square using dribbling and foot skills to avoid other players, except for one player who is “it.” Soccer players with balls try and avoid having their ball kicked out of the square by the player who is “it.” Rotate the “it” player by making the person whose ball was knocked out, to become the new “it” player.

Dribbling Soccer Drills: One-on-One
Divide soccer players into pairs with one soccer ball in a 5’ x 10” rectangle marked out by cones on the four corners. One player is on defense, while the other soccer player is on offense. The object of this soccer drill is for the offensive soccer player to use foot skills to dribble to and touch one of the cones in front of him or her with the soccer ball, while the other player on defense tries to prevent this by blocking and knocking the ball away. Players take turns being on offense and defense.

Dribbling Soccer Drills: Shadow Dribbling
Divide soccer players into pairs with each player having a soccer ball. One soccer player becomes the leader and dribbles the soccer ball around, while the second player becomes a follower and shadows the lead player (dribbling, also). This soccer drill should teach soccer players ball control, to keep their heads up, while encouraging creative foot skills and dribbling. Players should use the inside and outside of the foot, change directions and speed. Alternate leaders and followers on the shadow dribbling soccer drill.

Soccer Conditioning Speed Drills

SOCCER CONDITIONING SPEED DRILLS!

Soccer Conditioning Speed Drill
Place cone 2 and cone 3 three yards away from cone 1. Cone 4
should be about 10 yards from cone 1. From cone 1 sprint to cone 2,
go around it, and run backwards to cone 1. Then sprint to cone 3 and
go around it, then run backwards to cone 1. Sprint to cone 4. Repeat
conditioning drill seven more times, jogging back to the beginning.
Then do drill five more times full speed with a slow jog back. Repeat.


Soccer Conditioning Speed Drill 2
Running the length of a foot skills ladder, have each soccer player run
as fast as possible, two-footing between each rung. Players then side
step to the right three times and sprint to the cone. Repeat the
conditioning drill seven times, jogging back to the beginning. Repeat
drill five more times, but with just straight runs in place of the ladder
exercise, with a slow jog back to the beginning each time. Repeat.


Soccer Conditioning Speed Drill 3
Cones should be placed ten yards apart. Starting at cone 1, have
soccer players sprint to cone 2, going around it, and bursting past
cone 3. Repeat conditioning speed drill seven times, jogging back to
beginning. Repeat drill five more times, but with just straight 20 yard
runs, with a slow jog back to the beginning each time. Repeat.


Soccer Conditioning Speed Drill 4
Cones 1-4 should be placed about four yards apart. Cone 5 should
be 10 yards from cone 3. Have soccer players run backwards from
cone 1 to cone 2, then turn and sprint to cone 3, and side step to and
around cone 4, and back to cone 3, then sprinting to cone 5. Repeat
conditioning speed drill seven times, jogging back to beginning.
Repeat drill five more times, but with just straight 20 yard runs, with a
slow jog back to the beginning each time. Repeat.


Soccer Conditioning Speed Drill 5
Place cones 2-5 three yards apart. Cones 1 and 6 should be 5 yards
away from the other cones. Have soccer players sprint from cone 1 to
cone 3, then side-step left to cone 4, then run backwards to cone 5,
then side-step right to cone 2, and sprint to cone 6. Players should be
facing forward through the entire speed drill. Instruct players to remain
close to the cones, moving quickly. Repeat the conditioning drill
seven times, jogging back to the beginning. Repeat drill five more
times, but running forward the entire time, with a slow jog back.
Repeat.

Soccer Conditioning Speed Drill 6
Set up three cones, 20 yards apart. Instruct soccer players to jog the
first 20 yards, then sprint the next 20 yards. Repeat conditioning drill
seven more times, jogging back to the beginning. Then do drill five
more times with a slow jog back. Repeat.

Soccer Drills

SOCCER DRILLS

Soccer drills teach soccer players basic skills needed for the game, such as
keeping the head up, creating open space, looking for the open teammate,
dribbling, change of direction and speed, aggressiveness, offense,
defense, etc. Soccer drills are essential as players need to learn to work
together since and understand that soccer is a team sport.

The following soccer drills cover passing, shooting and dribbling. Great
dribbling, passing and shooting are fundamentals of all great soccer teams.

In this area you will find many soccer drills relevant to good fundamental
soccer. Using these drills, along with conditioning and practice games, one
should be able to develop soccer players in the art of team play.

Individually skilled players are great and can help your team score, but the
best soccer team works together like a fine-oiled machine, moving the ball
down the field. This is where speed of the game needs developed in a
soccer team to move up to a higher level. Soccer drills help do that.

As mentioned, speed is an essential part of any good soccer team, but
speed in assessing the field, finding the open man, handling the ball,
making good passes, shots, etc is the kind of speed that kills the opposing
team. Speed is not just how fast your soccer players can run, though
conditioning drills can speed this up, too. Our soccer drills incorporate
these key soccer skills and develop touch on the ball, peripheral vision,
change of speed, while working on a little defense, too.

Soccer Rules

SOCCER RULES

Corner Kicks & Goal Kicks
The soccer rules state that a corner kick or goal kick is taken when the ball leaves the field of play by crossing over the end line (end zone or goal line). If the soccer ball goes out of play and over the end line by the offensive team, then a goal kick is awarded to the defensive team. The goal kick is taken from within the corresponding side (as to where the ball went out of play) of the goalie box. If the defensive team puts the soccer ball out of play and over the end line, then a corner kick is awarded to the offensive team. The corner kick is taken from the corresponding corner (as to where the ball went out of play).

Direct and Indirect Free Kicks
The soccer rules state that with a direct kick, the soccer player is allowed to kick the soccer ball directly into the goal. An indirect kick warrants that the soccer ball must be touched by another player after the first kick, before it can go into the goal. A direct kick is typically awarded for a contact foul and hand ball (touching the ball with the hand or arm). Most other penalties are indirect kicks.

Penalty Kick
The soccer rules state that a penalty kick is to be awarded, if a contact foul or hand ball occurs within the penalty box. The soccer ball is placed at the penalty spot, which is centered 13 yards in front of the goal, with only the goalie being allowed to defend against the shot. All other soccer players must stay outside of the penalty box, until the ball is kicked at the goal. The goalie is instructed to keep both feet on the ground
until the soccer ball is kicked.

Throw-ins
The soccer rules state that a throw-in puts the soccer ball back into play after the ball crosses over a sideline and leaves the field of play. Soccer rules state that a proper throw-in is when a player has both feet on the ground with the ball held with both hands behind the head. Both hands must be on the ball until it is released, and the feet must not leave the ground during the throw-in.

Two-touch Rule
The soccer rules state that when the soccer ball is being put back into play from a throw-in, a kick-off, or indirect kick, the soccer player may not touch the ball twice. Another soccer player must touch the ball. If the soccer player throws the ball in and then kicks it, or begins a kick-off or indirect kick and kicks it twice, it is a two-touch foul.

No Hands Rule
The soccer rules state that the only player on the field that can use hands and arms is the goalie (keeper). The goalie is able to pick up the soccer ball and throw it. If the goalie is outside of the penalty box, or if his own player passes the ball back to him, he cannot use hands or arms to handle the soccer ball.

Offsides Rule
The soccer rules state that if an offensive soccer player is involved in an active play and is past the second- to-last defender, being closer to the opponent’s goal than the soccer ball, he is offsides. The offfsides soccer rule is called when a soccer player gets behind the defense, specifically the second-to-last defender. With the goalie usually being the last defender, the teammate that is closest to the goalie is the second-to-last defender. If an offensive player runs past the second-to-last defender without the ball in transit (as a pass from another player) or dribbling the ball past, it is called offsides. If this happens, the other team will be awarded the ball.

Fouls
The soccer rules state that a player cannot strike, push, charge, trip, climb on the back, hold onto, spit at, or slide tackle the opposing soccer player. Even cursing and taunting are not allowed in most soccer leagues. All of these are fouls. Yet, soccer play is aggressive, so bumping, pushing with the shoulders, shielding with the body, and tackling the player while the foot is moving the soccer ball are all legal.

Yellow & Red Cards
The soccer rules state that yellow cards be awarded to players as a warning when blatant or un-
sportsmanlike fouls occur. It is the soccer referee’s discretion. If a player receives two yellow cards in the same game, it equals a red card. A red card means the player is ejected from the game, and may be awarded at anytime if the referee feels a player is being un-sportsmanlike or if tempers have escalated to the point of dangerous play. When a red card is issued, the entire team is penalized, as they must play with a player short for each red card.

Soccer Field

SOCCER FIELD

To the TOP is a basic soccer field
diagram showing the goal box, which
is part of the penalty box, in front of
the goal (net).

Behind the penalty box is the end
zone or goal line or end line as it is
called. The diagram also shows the
corner arcs where the flags are
positioned on the soccer field.
Corner kicks are kicked from within
this arc.

The line in the center of the soccer
field diagram is simply called the
"center line," and the circle is the
"center circle," where the game
begins and also resumes after a
goal.

How To Play Soccer

HOW TO PLAY SOCCER!

For a youngster to learn how to play soccer, we recommend beginning with foot skills (soccer skills) practice. The younger the age the better, as these are critical to becoming a successful player. If you don’t have them by the early teenage years, one’s ability to play soccer will be drastically behind others of the same age.

Also, it would be best to find a good club soccer program in your area that teaches all ages of kids how to play soccer. Learning team play and getting used to the speed of the game will also be very important. Learning how to play soccer is learning that soccer is a dribbling and passing game.

To learn how to play soccer, or simply to understand how the game of soccer is played, let us begin with the objective of the soccer game. Each soccer team consists of eleven players who work together to score points which are called goals. The team with the most goals wins. A goal is counted when the ball is kicked into the opponent’s without the use of the hands or arms; the rest of the body, such as the head, chest, feet and legs are allowed to touch the ball. Typically, a soccer game lasts 90 minutes with two 45 minute halves. Younger leagues are shorter in duration, usually.

Soccer is played with a leather ball that is 14-16 ounces in weight, although lighter, smaller soccer balls are sometimes used for younger children. Shin guards, a padded piece of hard plastic, are also worn on the front of the lower legs to protect against injury from being kicked. Shoes worn for outdoor soccer are called “cleats.” Indoor soccer requires a pair of indoor soccer shoes. Clothing should be worn without pockets (soccer uniform preferred), so fingers cannot get caught in them during game play. Equipment needed is minimal at best, especially when one is beginning to learn how to play soccer.

The soccer field can range in size dependent upon the league, age of players, indoor, outdoor, etc. Most regulation soccer fields will range from 100-130 yards in length, with the soccer goals at each end. Flags are found on each corner of the soccer field to mark the corners. The field of play will have eleven soccer positions for players from both teams, with a “keeper” or “goalie” defending his or her own goal, by keeping the soccer ball from going into it. This is called "goalkeeping." The goalie is the only player on the field of play who may touch the ball with any part of the body including the hands and arms while in the goalie box. Outside the goalie box, the keeper must not use hands or arms. Also, if the ball is kicked to him as a pass from one of his or her own players, the ball may not be touched with the hands or arms, either. Thus, the goalie must kick or pass the ball with the feet to get it away from the box. By the way, any player may use the head to direct the soccer ball. This is called a "header."

In front of the goalie are the defenders. Defenders usually do not go beyond midfield, as they stay back on defense to protect against goals being scored against their team. Some teams play with a defender closer to the goalkeeper and central; this is the “sweeper”. The sweeper is the last line of defense before the goalie. In front of the defensive players are “midfielders.” Midfielders run the full length of the field, as they play defense, as well as offense. Typically, a midfielder will “mark” an opponent. This means they stick near a certain player on the opposing team, not allowing that player to get free. If soccer players mark their
opponents, then they can keep track of them. To lose track of an opponent means trouble. The midfielders can also score goals and assist in making goals. In front of the midfielders are the “forwards” or “strikers.” Forwards seek to stay primarily offensive, though they may jump back a bit for some defensive help, but seek to crash the ball into the net. Midfielders work with them by setting up shots or taking shots themselves if open. The outside midfielders typically run either left-wing or right-wing and look to “cross” the ball from the outside corner to the middle of the field and in front of the opponent’s goal. This allows the center midfielders and forwards to attempt to get to the ball and score a goal. Midfielders and especially forwards typically have the best foot skills and speed on the team. There are many soccer offensive and defensive sets with the most common being the 4-4-2 (four defenders, four midfielders and two forwards)
and the 3-5-2 (three defenders, five midfielders and two forwards). Typically, look for a team that is ahead to put more players back on defense, but if needing to score you will see more offensive players able to
crash towards the net.

There are referees on the soccer field, with one being the head referee in the center of the field. There should also be two lineman referees with flags to determine where and if the ball crosses over the line which
is out, or to assist in determining foul calls, etc. By the way, a ball on the line is still in play. When a ball goes across the line, the flag will go up, pointing the direction of what team has the ball. Fouls are called for un-sportsmanlike conduct, tripping, touching the ball with the arm or hand, pushing with the arms, jumping up and going over another player’s back, slide-tackling another player, etc. When a foul is committed, the referee may award the other team with possession which is a free kick. With all free kicks, no opposingplayer is allowed to be within ten yards of the ball. The player awarded the ball may then kick the ball to try
and score, kick it, or pass it to a teammate. There is an indirect kick and a direct kick. For an indirect kick, the referee will hold one arm straight up in the air, until the second soccer player touches the ball. No arm up, then it’s a direct kick. With a direct kick, the soccer player is allowed to kick the soccer ball directly into
he goal. An indirect kick warrants that the soccer ball must be touched by another player after the firstkick, before it can go into the goal. A direct kick is typically awarded for a contact foul and hand ball (touching the ball with the hand or arm). Most other penalties are indirect kicks. When the ball is 25 yards or closer, the opposing team may choose to line up in a wall formation to attempt to block adirect shot at their goal. If the foul occurred in the goalie box and was blatant, the team may be awarded a penalty kick
from just 13 yards out, with only the goalie allowed to be in front of the net. This type of penalty usually turns into a goal being scored. Sometimes, the referee sees a foul, but does not call it, as it will possibly harm the other team to do so. If the referee sees this situation, he may choose to yell out “advantage,” letting the players know he saw the foul, but is allowing it to play on. Severe penalties are noted by the yellow and red cards. These are instituted for blatant fouls, fighting, dangerous play, language and other un-sportsmanlike conduct. A red card means the player is removed for the rest of the game (and the team , must play minus a player for each red card issued), while a yellow card is a warning and the player is removed for two minutes. Two yellow cards equal a red card, however.

Other soccer rules to know about when learning how to play soccer are the offside rule, corner kick, goal kick and the throw-in. Offsides is called when a player gets behind the defense, specifically the second-to- last defender. With the goalie usually being the last defender, the teammate that is closest to the goalie is the second-to-last defender. If an offensive player runs past the second-to-last defender without the ball in transit (as a pass from another player) or dribbling the ball past, it is called offsides. If this happens, the other team will be awarded the ball (a free kick). Corner kicks are awarded when the ball goes out of the
back of the end zone, knocked out by the defensive team. The ball is awarded to the offensive team at the corresponding corner (by the flag), and a free kick ensues. Typically, the ball is either attempted to be curved into the goal from the corner or to try and simply get it in front of the net so teammates can try and score. Goal kicks are awarded to the defensive team when the offensive team kicks the ball out of the back of the end zone. The ball is then placed within the corresponding side of the goal box and the free kick ensues. Typically, the ball is booted up-field to one’s own teammates on offense. Restarting play occurs whenever the ball goes out of bounds, the most common method of restarting being the throw-in. When the soccer ball goes out of bounds, the team who touched it last loses possession. The team awarded the ball hen must throw the ball into play. This is done with two arms above and behind the head, while maintaining both feet on the ground while throwing it into play. Both hands must remain on the ball until it is released,
and neither foot may leave the ground.

Soccer Coaching

SOCCER COACHING

Probably the most difficult task in coaching soccer is in managing the minds of the players – their egos, if
you will. Many soccer teams that struggle, do so due to lack of team leadership, discipline and confidence.
This may sound like common sense, but lack of confidence, team unity and discipline truly can be difficult to
build when coaching a group of soccer players.

Many soccer coaches are former players who want to get into soccer coaching, but just because one
understands the game of soccer and is a good player, does not necessarily mean they will be a great
soccer coach. Managing the psyche of others can be difficult, as all of us look to identify the leader in each
environment we are in. If people do not recognize a leader, then they will naturally gravitate to becoming
the leader. Have a soccer team do this, and you have a team of individuals – egos out of control! Many
soccer coaches believe they have to become “one of the guys (or girls)” to befriend the players, but to do
so ruins credibility, as it makes it very difficult to later implement discipline and gain control of a team. A
good soccer coach is a leader who is respected, builds confidence, builds the team mentality, and creates
players who understand what is expected out of them. If the players do not respect the coach, then they will
not understand that undesirable behavior will create disciplinary action. In that type of scenario, when
disciplinary action comes, rebellion will ensue. In other words, the players will seek to control the soccer
team, if the coach is not a leader who backs up his or her word with disciplinary action.

So how does one become a good soccer coach? How does one implement good soccer coaching? We first
suggest instilling the following ideals when instructing and coaching a soccer team:

1) It’s always about TEAM, and never about individuals. The team must always come first in decisions
and soccer play should always be team play. If a team does well, it is because the team did well, and not
because an individual had a great game. If your soccer team has “individuals” on it, then you will have to
work hard to correct this incorrect thinking. One way to eliminate individualism is to play one or two touches
in practices and in games. In other words, each soccer player touches the ball up to two times and then
passes the ball to another player, until a good shot can be taken by a player who is open. To promote one
soccer player above others as the “go-to” guy or gal is a mistake and not good soccer coaching.

2) Discipline…discipline…discipline. A soccer coach’s word is only good as the coach’s ability to back it
up. If a soccer player challenges a coach by talking back, not listening to instruction, yelling at other
players, etc, then good soccer coaching requires disciplinary action. The easiest way to accomplish this is
to make players who are unwilling to listen to the coach, run, and/or sit out of games. This may require
benching the best individual player on the team for a few games, until he or she gets the message. Make
no mistake, sending a message to one, sends the message to the whole team that the coach means
business and that the soccer team is a team. If losing games means building good character in the soccer
players, it is best to do so. If a soccer player does not like discipline and threatens to quit, then help that
player pack their soccer equipment and send them off the field. If they come back and apologize to the
team and the coach, then the player can possibly be allowed back onto the team. Good soccer coaching is
about building character and teaching life-lessons.

3) Build confidence and win soccer games you shouldn’t. The best way to build a team is to build
confidence in all the players. Building confidence in players may sound simple, but it is not easy if a coach
has players yelling at players, effectively tearing down what the coach is trying to accomplish. A good leader
does not need to yell, but will speak positively to every player and instruct all players to speak positive to
each other. Saying “Good job, John,” will go further than criticizing a John’s play. Instill positive speaking
within your team, and watch how far they will accel as players. It is so important for a soccer coach to
understand that 90% of a young soccer team will not be playing to their potential, and it will not be due to
lack of effort, drive or skill, but due to lack of confidence. If the coach is yelling at players, then players will
be yelling at players. Negative comments and yelling by soccer players is a cancer that must be removed
quickly through discipline if it is occurring within the players, and must be fortified from the top down, by
proper soccer coaching that is non-threatening and encouraging. Both the coach and players must work
together to build confidence in every player – even those who appear to be most confident. As a side note,
coaches should treat referees the same way, by not yelling at them. It’s alright to question a call here or
there, but do not become irate. All officials blow calls on the field, so the worst thing a soccer coach can do
is to berate a referee. What sense does it make to attack the one controlling the game? It more than likely
will not help one’s team win, and more than likely could impact the team negatively.

4) Manage the soccer players’ parents. One of the worst things parents can become is their child’s
coach. Good soccer coaching will instruct parents to allow their children to enjoy the game and progress
through the instruction of the soccer program. Parents, however, have the natural tendency to apply
pressure to their kid by telling them how to play better, yelling, etc, thinking it will make their child become a
better soccer player. If a young soccer player enjoys soccer, he or she will naturally practice on their own
and develop incredible soccer skills. Yelling by parents at players on the soccer field is unacceptable and
must be addressed by the soccer coach. Un-addressed, this type of behavior will not only tear down the
players’ confidence, but also grow into attacking soccer referees (and possibly the coach!).

World Cup History

World Cup History!!

The history of World Cup Soccer goes back to the start of FIFA, which
was formed in 1904. History tells us seven European soccer
associations from Denmark, France, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and
the Netherlands met in Paris, France and created the Fédération
Internationale de Football Association. FIFA’s headquarters eventually
moved to Geneva, Switzerland and the first World Cup held in 1930.
There have been 18 World Cup tournaments as of 2006.

However, World Cup Soccer History really owes its beginnings to Jules
Rimet who became President of the World Football Association in the
year of 1921. He proposed an international tournament to unite the
world and of course the various soccer federations. Rimet, along with
other officials organized the first World Cup Soccer tournament for 1930.
The history of World Cup Soccer truly was formed through the World
Football Federation’s efforts after World War I to bring forth Rimet’s
vision that “soccer could reinforce the ideals of a permanent and real
peace.” This vision was planted in 1926, and by May 26th, 1928 five
European countries and the host country of Uruguay made history by
planning the first World Cup Soccer tournament. They attempted to
keep the World Cup Soccer tournaments between the years of the
scheduled summer and winter Olympic games. The first World Cup
game was played on July 13th, 1930 in Pocitos Stadium with France
beating Mexico 4-1. And so, the history of World Cup soccer games
began.

The first World Cup games had European teams France, Romania,
Yugoslavia and Belgium compete along with South American teams of
Uruguay, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay and Peru and the
North American teams of Mexico and the United States. This gave the
World Cup thirteen teams to compete for the trophy which bore Jules
Rimet’s name, with Uruguay eventually beating out Argentina for the
Cup. The history of the early World Cup games ended abruptly for twelve
years due to World War II. Three tournaments were played before the
war, but when the World Cup resumed it rapidly grew in interest and
status, again. From 1958 through 1998, the World Cup was held
alternately between Europe and the Americas, until history of the game
changed again. Then, Korea and Japan were selected as co-hosting
countries for the 2002 World Cup Soccer games.

When one looks at World Cup history spanning over seventy years, the
sixteen tournaments have only had seven different winners. There has
been quite a bit of drama, with a history of upsets that have shocked
many soccer fans.

It is estimated that billions of people around the world watch soccer on
TV, and the World Cup is truly a global event. FIFA estimates that 240
million people play soccer regularly in more than 200 countries. As
soccer is claimed by many to be the most popular sport in the world, the
World Cup Soccer Tournament is brilliant in bringing all of this world
excitement together at once, every four years.

Year Winner Runner-Up Host Country

1930 : Uruguay Argentina Uruguay
1934 : Italy Czechoslovakia Italy
1938 : Italy Hungary France
(World War II 12 year delay)
1950 : Uruguay Brazil Brazil
1954 : West Germany Hungary Austria
1958 : Brazil Sweden Sweden
1962 : Brazil Czechoslovakia Chile
1966 : England West Germany England
1970 : Brazil Italy Mexico
1974 : West Germany Holland West Germany
1978 : Argentina Holland Argentina
1982 : Italy West Germany Spain
1986 : Argentina West Germany Mexico
1990 : West Germany Argentina Italy
1994 : Brazil Italy United States
1998 : France Brazil France
2002 : Brazil Germany Korea / Japan
2006 : Italy France Germany

Soccer Kits

SOCCER KITS

SOCCER SHOES

SOCCER BALLS

SHIN PADS