5 skills to become a reliable soccer player

Through this blog you will learn about 5 basic skills that will provide you the confidence to become a complete soccer player, and become a valuable asset for your team.

Welcome everyone to the soccer blog. This time we will go in detail through the basic skills any desirable soccer player requires to stand out among average players on the field and who knows, maybe cause some OLE´s on the crowd.

“I am not a perfectionist, but I like to feel that things are done well. More important than that, I feel an endless need to learn, to improve, to evolve, not only to please the coach and the fans but also to feel satisfied with myself. It is my conviction that here are no limits to learning, and that it can never stop, no matter what our age.”

Cristiano Ronaldo”

Ball control

When we mention ball control we refer to the hability of a player to keep the ball close to his feet while running

It is the single most relevant skill players should acquire before spending more time on others. Ball control is present at all times during a soccer game and it is key for a team to have possession of the ball.

The better the ball controll a player has, the easier it will be to reach ther opponent´s net without losing it.

Quality of passes

Passes are the main action during a soccer game. They provide the distribution of the ball through different players, causing an effortless teamwork cooperation that wont waste the physical condition of the individuals.

It is important that the passes a player makes, consider the movement of the person the pass is directed to. Like if you were trying to predict 3 to 5 seconds in the future.

In order to do that, you must know the speed and pace of your teammates, and all the players will work as as one, like parts of a clock.

Quality of shooting

The only way to win a soccer game is scoring on the opponents net. There is no sense in playing as a great team if the shot that ends the play doesnt end in the back of the opponents net.

There are different type of shots that will make the ball move in different directions and at different speed, by mastering those and having in mind that the best way to score a goal is by taking advantage of the possition of the goalkeeper, you will score everytime you shoot.

Like mentioned before, the trick in soccer is predicting most of the times. When you understand that and you have mastered your shots, you will be able to take advantage of the possition of the goalkeeper, and find the right timing to make your shot.

“When people succeed, it is because of hard work. Luck has nothing to do with success.”

Diego Maradona

Defending

Deffending is the other 50% you need to win a soccer game. Like mentioned before, scoring goals is the only way to win a game, but not letting the opponent score on your net is the only way you will avoid loosing a match.

Defending is a skill all team players must perform regardless of the possition they play in the field. It is true that defenders must be the best at this, but even if you are a front player and loose the possession of the ball it is your duty to recover it.

A usefull tip while defending can be; either the ball goes through or the opponent goes through, but never both.

Dribbling

Finally but not less important comes dribbling. It is a combination ball controll and body movements that will confuse the opponent regarding the direction you are taking.

There are many premade movements that have different effects on opponents but the purpose will always be the same (keeping the ball away from the rival).

When a player is experienced enough , will be able to dribble and keep controll of the ball without looking at his feet. This will provide an advantage in order to trick the opponent.

Keep practicing and remember these tips next time you play soccer.