How To Play Soccer

Soccer, also known as football, is the world's oldest game. The object of the game is simple, put the ball in their net and don't let the ball in your net. As simple as that might seem it requires strategy, patience, and skill.

Each team has 11 players on each side, one of those players being the goalie. Different teams use different formations in regards to defenders, midfielders, and forwards. Penalties include free kicks, penalty kicks, yellow, and red cards for infractions such as mistimed and malicious tackles, hand balls, and dissent.

1. The first thing an individual must learn is how to dribble the soccer ball. Begin by practicing a slight touch with the laces and instep of the foot that moves the ball forward a foot or two. Once you have mastered that, begin jogging slowly while moving the ball only a few feet in front of you. At this time make sure the ball is not going too far away from you, a soccer player must keep the ball close to their feet in order to maintain control.
2. Next, you should begin some passing drills. Passing is done with the inside of the foot. First you should learn how to roll the ball on the ground to a set target. Once you feel comfortable doing this, begin hitting the lower half of the ball to get elevation. This is useful for clearing defenders and creating space on the soccer field. After awhile you should be able to pass the ball across a soccer field.
3. Afterwards you can begin to shoot. Shooting is very difficult in soccer. Most shots are struck with the laces, or top of the foot, in order to achieve most power. Sometimes players use the outside and inside of the foot to create spin on the ball, but one must first learn how to shoot with their laces.
4. When lining up to the soccer ball face your target with all of your body. When in the process of kicking keep your head, shoulders, and knees over the ball. This might feel unnatural, but it allows the player to strike down on the ball, resulting in better impact and higher velocity when struck properly. Finally, follow through with your kicking foot toward the target.

These techniques must be practiced extensively. No one can become a great soccer player overnight and understanding the basic techniques is only the very beginning.