Football is the most loved sport in the world for good reasons: one afternoon is enough to learn how to play and it takes a lifetime to know all its secrets. Becoming a better player has a different meaning for each of us, but good ball control and tactical skill are fundamental qualities for all players. When you feel the thrill of scoring a goal, of unmarking your teammate with a winning assist or erecting an impassable wall in front of your goal, you will never be able to stop playing.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Improve Your Foot Skills
Step 1. Perfect the stop, which allows you to pass, kick or dribble without wasting time
It is an essential fundamental, which separates professionals from amateurs. You need to be able to stop the ball close to the foot, directly in front of you, so that the offensive maneuver can start immediately with the next touch. Make sure you learn how to control the ball with your whole body through these exercises:
- First passes with a teammate. If you can pass the ball first accurately, the defenders won't be able to get it out of your way. You can also practice this fundamental by kicking against a wall.
- Stop and long throw towards a partner. You will have to hit the ball with just two taps: the stop and the throw.
- Running passes and shots. Ask a teammate to pass the ball to you when you are running. You will need to find the right timing to stop the ball with the first touch and pass or shoot with the second, without shortening or lengthening the pace.
Step 2. Train to improve ball control
The goal of these exercises is to increase not only your speed but also your accuracy, by learning to control the ball with all parts of the foot, in order to improve in passing, stopping and dribbling. Try to complete 100 touches with both feet for each exercise:
- Bounce the ball between your feet as fast as possible, using the plate to pass it from one leg to the other.
- Hit the top of the ball with your toes, trying to do it as quickly as possible. As you improve, try to roll the ball slightly with the sole of your foot, focusing on the accuracy of the touch.
- Try using the sole of your right foot to roll the ball to the right. Bring your foot all the way to the right of the ball, then use the plate to pass it to your left foot. Stop it with the sole and roll your foot on it before starting the exercise again.
Step 3. Practice shooting and crossing while running
If you've been playing for some time, you probably already know how to shoot and cross from a standing position. In a real game, however, you will rarely happen to kick from a set; if you can be precise and powerful even on the move, you will have a great advantage over your opponents. Fortunately, it is not difficult to improve in this ability, alone or with a partner. Simply stretch the ball and accelerate to three quarters of your maximum speed before shooting.
- As you get more skilled, increase your speed. When you manage to sprint at top speed, adjust the ball, and shoot or cross, you'll be the worst nightmare for defenders facing you.
- Practice in all areas of the court, shooting from the center of the area and crossing when you are close to the sideline.
- Improve your ranking. The defenders must be able to restart the action as soon as possible to avoid pressure from the attackers.
Step 4. Pay attention to your weak foot
Skill with your best foot doesn't really matter against better defenders, who will always try to send you to your weak side. The best players are dangerous with both feet and force the defenders not to leave any space unguarded. Don't take advantage of only half of your body; make sure you work with both feet.
Step 5. Learn to dribble by controlling the ball with maximum precision
The sphere should become an extension of your body. Advance the ball along the lines of a small area of the pitch (such as the penalty area), varying your speed with sudden bursts and stops. Test your repertoire of movements and use both feet until you are too tired to continue. Your goal is to keep the ball as close to the foot as possible, whatever your speed. Thanks to this technique, you will make the task of the defenders much more difficult. You can continue training in the following ways:
- Set up an obstacle course with flags, skittles or old shirts. Zigzag and change direction as fast as possible without losing control of the ball.
- Dribbling may seem pointless in a game, but it is the most effective training for improving ball control and learning to keep the ball close to your body. Work with both feet, alternating the height and distance of the dribbles.
- Learn some advanced moves and techniques that require precise ball control and will add to your attacking repertoire.
Step 6. Learn to hit the ball in different places to give it the effect you want
Where you hit the ball and how you do it greatly influence its trajectory. The best players achieve almost complete mastery of the effect. Whether you are an attacker or a defender, learning how to give the ball the right effect will have many more options available on the pitch.
- Short, precise steps are almost always done with the flat of the foot. With this technique you can also make precise crosses at medium distance.
- Hitting the outside ball (from the right foot) will cause it to curve to the right. Try hitting the ball lightly from below, from a diagonal angle.
- You can give the ball a "dead leaf" effect by hitting it in the neck just below its center and blocking the movement of the leg just after impact. The ball will start without rotation and its trajectory will suddenly drop.
- Hit the ball from below, with the inside of the neck, to give it a backward rotation. Use this technique to make long, precise throws that don't stray away from your partner after bouncing.
Method 2 of 3: Improve Your Football Intelligence
Step 1. Learn to defend in one-on-one to be useful to your team at all points on the pitch
All footballers, from forwards to central defenders, need to know how to resist dribbling attempts. Practice one-on-one with a teammate, trying not to get overtaken and to press them effectively. When defending against an opponent, remember to:
- Keep your knees slightly bent and walk on your toes. Thanks to this position you will be able to react faster.
- Tilt the body, with one foot in front of the other, to push the attacker in one direction. Force your opponent to spread out or lead them towards your teammates instead of facing them perpendicular to their running direction. In that case it would be up to him to choose which side to go to.
- Observe your opponent's hips to avoid falling into feints. The hips are the center of gravity of the body and, if you are not marking a true champion, by observing them you will be able to understand his intentions. It's nearly impossible to quickly change the direction of your hips, so use this information to your advantage.
Step 2. Always keep your head up throughout the game, especially when in possession of the ball
The best players always observe the field, especially if they have the ball. It takes practice to do this, because it's harder to control the ball if you can't see it. To become an intelligent footballer, however, you must learn to use the lower part of your vision to keep an eye on the ball, without losing sight of what is happening on the pitch.
Use your workouts to get used to holding your head up. After losing a few too many balls, you will begin to see improvements
Step 3. When on the pitch, communicate with your teammates, constantly talking to them to help them
The best players always talk during matches. "I am free", "Leave", "I need help" and many other phrases are shouted over and over again, for good reason. Football is a team game, and the smartest footballers know that the team must work in unison for all 90 minutes to achieve success. Become the leader of your lineup and start talking more often, in matches and in training. The most important things to discuss during a match include:
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Defensive markings:
let your team-mates know which striker you will be dealing with, if you want to press the ball carrier and if you notice any free players who need to be marked.
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Advice to the player in possession of the ball:
do not shout too much information to your partner, but do not leave him to himself. Tell him if he has time to think or call the "man" if he is pressed.
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Shoot in depth:
shout at your teammate that you are "overlapping", or that "he can get behind her" if necessary. When sprinting forward, don't assume your teammates can always see you, especially if their heads are down.
Step 4. Watch professional matches at least once a week to learn from the best
Note the positioning of the players when they do not have the ball. What movements do the players who play the same role make? When do they advance to attack and when do they retreat to defend? Don't be afraid to analyze the games with a critical eye; use television meetings to learn new ideas and to understand why some tactics are not effective. What can you vary in your game and what can you do to imitate your favorite footballers?
- If you feel like learning, you can also watch guides, videos and highlights on YouTube, for example to find out which techniques the pros use to pass and shoot.
- Find a team or league you love and become a fan. The more games you watch, the more you will improve as a footballer.
Step 5. Learn the basics of tactics, becoming an offensive or defensive leader
Football intelligence is seen above all in the ability to play as a team. Each team offers unique strategies, developed on the basis of the players available, but there are some tactics that can be applied in all matches:
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Compact in defense, wide in attack.
This concept is the basis of all strategies: in defense it is necessary to close the spaces, while the attack must create them. For this reason, in defense the team must huddle towards the center of the field, forming a compact front. In attack, however, it is necessary to try to widen the opponent's defensive line to create spaces where the attackers can penetrate.
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He advances towards the goal after each shot, forcing the defense to react.
Even a modest shot can turn into a goal if the whole team moves towards the goal after a shot or cross. This pressure can overwhelm the opposing team, because the defenders will be forced to fall back towards their own goal to try to capture the rebound and will have great difficulty in sweeping the ball without taking risks.
- The defensive line must remain united. Even if your team does not implement the offside trap, the defense must line up along a horizontal line. When the defenders do not stay in line, spaces and holes are created for the attackers to exploit. If you play defense, constantly look left and right and always try to keep the correct alignment with your teammates.
Method 3 of 3: Develop Your Talent to the Maximum
Step 1. Audition with the best teams in your area
The only shortcut to becoming a better footballer is to play as much as possible. That said, you will see much faster progress if you compete against better opponents than you. Try to join a team where your skills are tested, or at least try to set yourself up for challenges. Go play soccer with adults, convince your teammates to organize matches after the end of the season and continue to train even when no one is willing to do it with you.
If you have no friends to play with, take two shots against a wall, pass the ball against the fence at home, or dribble and perfect your feints in the garden
Step 2. Develop the physical characteristics required by your position on the pitch to get the most out of your training
All footballers have to strengthen their physique to improve, but everyone has to do it differently. By considering the specific needs of your role, you will be able to make the most of your body and make a greater contribution to your team.
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Doorman:
focus on strength, reflexes and developing a lean, agile body that can shoot in an instant.
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Defender:
you have to be physically strong, in the upper body as well as in the lower body, to win all the tackles and fights. You also need to have a good shot and be in great physical shape.
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Midfielder:
endurance is the most important quality for those who play in the middle of the field. Speed in decisions, ball control and passing ability are also key features.
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Striker:
you have to be quick and able to withstand the physical impact of the defenders. You also need to have excellent stamina, in order to be able to run throughout the game looking for the clearing and still have the strength to take the winning shot in the ninetieth minute.
Step 3. Keep moving away from the ball, even when you can't catch it
The best footballers almost never stand still. The defenders always try to close the spaces, reacting to the movements of the attackers. The midfielders constantly observe the placement of their teammates and spin the ball, opening the spaces in the center of the field. Attackers continually attempt to outflank the defenders, sprinting behind them and taking advantage of their distractions. You must always stay on the move, to create offensive opportunities and not give points of reference to the opposing team; in most cases, staying still will be useless to your teammates.
- Go to the ball, even if you don't get it. As soon as you show up to a friend, ask for a ride, but move immediately if you are not served. A defender will have to follow you and you will open up spaces for your team.
- If you play outside, spread out towards the sideline when your team retrieves the ball; often, there is more space on the flanks to lead a quick counterattack.
- If you have no man to mark, cover the space that an attacker might go to occupy. Try to guess which are the most dangerous passing lines and cover them, preventing the opposing team from developing their game.
Step 4. Take each workout seriously, striving to improve your weaknesses
The workouts are for working on your weaknesses, they are not opportunities to impress your teammates. Think of each session as a warm-up for a big game, putting in every exercise and trying out new moves so you can repeat them naturally during a match.
- Play in multiple roles; try to improve both as an attacker and as a defender.
- Focus on both feet; nobody cares if you lose the ball in training, while in a match you have to try to avoid it at all costs.
- Play with maximum intensity in training matches. Don't slow down and don't spare yourself, even if the defenders don't put pressure on you as they would in a match.
Step 5. Play and make decisions as quickly as possible
Observers and coaches carefully judge the intensity with which you play - how quickly you stop the ball, raise your head and step, shoot, or advance on the pitch. Don't hold the ball too long and practice making quick, decisive choices, playing at a high pace. The best ways to do this include:
- Pass the ball and keep moving. A couple of quick touches are often enough, because the ball moves much faster than you. If you stay in the same zone for a long time, you will give the defense more time to set up and close the spaces.
- If you are going to move forward with the ball, do it at a fast pace, not slowly. Don't give the defender time to react.
- Try to cross the ball, especially by making it turn behind the defenders, who will have to run towards their goal. Long balls force the defense to reposition themselves quickly, often leaving some free space for the attack.
Step 6. Get help and advice to correct your weaknesses
As much as you can improve as a footballer, you will never be perfect. To be successful, all players on the team must work in unison, so welcome the advice of coaches and mentors. Each player has weaknesses he has to work on; don't ignore yours.
- Ask your coach a couple of times a season what you can do to improve. How can you work on your skills when you are not training?
- Consider hiring a private coach to work on fundamentals you don't have time to develop during workouts. If you really want to excel, particularly in a sport like football where the competition is very fierce, you need special attention.
Advice
- The more you train, the better you will become. There are no shortcuts: only hard work allows you to improve.
- Find a wall and practice kicking the ball and blocking it with both feet. Do not stay still during the exercise, as moving will make it more difficult to control the ball.
- Get some pins and try to move between them with the ball between your feet. You will improve your ball control.
- Football is a sport where unpredictability is very important, so try to surprise and confuse defenders with an imaginative attitude.
- Practice every day. Do not be lazy! Learn how to kick correctly, how to position yourself on the pitch and how to perform the most common feints. Over time, you will get better!
