If you are looking for a sport for your children that is safe, fun and low cost, look no further than soccer. Soccer is arguably the world’s most popular team sport. This is due in large part because it requires very little equipment or training. If you are contemplating soccer as an activity for your child, here are a few of the benefits you can expect.
To be the best soccer parent ever, you should have realistic expectations of your child. You should have a clear vision of your child’s abilities and always encourage him or her to simply play as well as possible. Don’t try to bribe your child into playing better with treats or push good playing ability with threat of punishment. Remember soccer is supposed to be fun.
Passing the ball in one direction for several plays in a row will establish a pattern. Your opponents will begin to expect this play. Then, you can surprise them by not crossing, or by crossing on the other side.
It is important to practice if you want to be really good at soccer. This does not just mean practicing with the team, but on your own at home as well. Kicking the soccer ball around your yard can really help to improve your game on the field during games.
Don’t fall for flocking near the ball when everyone does. Many teams and players make this mistake. If your opponent has the ball, there only needs to be one other person there. If your teammate has it, let them have some space. Just make sure you have a player behind the person with the ball or the person that’s going to try to steal it.
It is very important for you to have intense workouts while you are in season, but slow things down once the season is over. Putting your body through such intense activity over the course of an entire year is enough to make your body experience some unnecessary wear and tear.
Talk with your teammates during a game. Nothing is worse than miscommunicating a play to your team that results in the other team getting the ball. If you are concerned that the other team may find out what play you will be using, set up code names for your different plays.
You should ensure you are constantly practicing your dribbling skills. Dribbling a soccer ball is the main fundamental in soccer, much like dribbling a basketball is the main fundamental in basketball. Therefore, you should be constantly dribbling a soccer ball anytime you can. Dribble down your neighborhood, in your yard, or in your home, alternating feet every time.
While it may seem that soccer is less physical than football, that is simply not true. Do not worry about running into anyone. Just because you get a little physical does not mean you are playing dirty. Purposefully kicking another player is a foul, but some incidental roughness is nothing to worry about. If you don’t like to be physical, you really should try getting over that. Keep your legs always protected with soccer pads.
When it comes to soccer, it is vital that you know how to properly communicate with your teammates. Soccer is certainly not a one-man show. It requires proper teamwork in order to win, and good teamwork requires great communication. Therefore, make sure you and your teammates practice ways to better communicate with one another.
Learn how to sprint. Sprinting is used when you are standing still and then begin running as fast as you can. To practice this technique, stand still for 15 seconds, then begin running as fast as you can for 15 seconds. Repeat the process for 30 minutes to help increase your sprinting takeoffs.
To improve your shot in soccer, follow a few simple steps. Make sure the foot you’re not kicking with is alongside the ball and your body is above the ball. Keep your eyes on the ball during the whole duration of the kick until you have actually struck the ball. Kick the ball in the middle or above.
An excellent idea for getting more soccer practice is to check out your local YMCA or community center. Many places offer a variety of intramural sports teams, and particularly if you live in a large community, you are likely to find a soccer team or soccer club with other enthusiasts such as yourself.
Having read this article it’s time to find a local soccer club or school program and get your kids started. Studies have shown that kids who play team sports do better in school and tend to stay out of trouble. Couple that with the valuable skills and the excellent exercise they’ll get from playing and the benefits are obvious.
