Soccer Skills – The keys to success
Did you know that soccer is the most popular sport in the world? Knowledge is the key to competing against world-class players and even the weekend warriors. Knowledge will only take you so far; dedication as well as practice will turn the novice into the superstar. There are three key areas that are crucial to a winning soccer regimen – soccer skills, soccer fitness, and soccer coaching drills. Without all of these three areas, one cannot expect to compete with total confidence.
When one thinks of soccer, that individual may think of the raw talent and skill-set while playing. Skills are necessary but heart and dedication will take players far. There are basic skills that must show themselves in order to become proficient on the field. Such skills are passing, footwork, and vision. Passing is the most important skill in soccer. If a team cannot pass, that team is dead and doomed to failure. Offensive passing skills will move the ball up the field into scoring position while defensive passing will help to retreat the ball in order to regroup for an offensive opportunity. Second to passing is footwork with and without the ball. A player must become agile and fluid in his/her movements. This will prevent injury and allow for more freedom and control. A player does not necessarily need to be able to dribble through the whole team alone but be competent enough to dribble past at least one person on offense. The last aspect of a skill set is cognitive in the form of vision. A player must be able to process probable scenarios and paths of the ball quickly so that he/she can intercept that pass which could make the difference between scoring and scored on. Anticipation is the key to defense and offense in the form of through-balls that connect the passer to the runner for the winning shot.
Soccer fitness is equally important as a skill set. Without fitness, a soccer player would not be able to play for the duration of an official game. Even with substitutions, one cannot expect to perform up to par without a great soccer fitness plan. Soccer is running, pure and simple. A good soccer player will have a good long-distance base. Meaning, he/she will rise and go on a distance run for their base. This run is most likely anywhere from two to six miles depending on commitment. This is in addition to regular soccer practice and ball work. Sprints are also an option to develop leg speed when running down a potential scorer or breaking away to score one on your own. Do not forget to get in shape. Coaching drills are very helpful. There are many directions to go as far as coaching but affective areas reach the farthest. A positive but firm coach will take the team as far as they want to go. There must be structure as well as hope and enthusiasm. Without these values, the players lose heart and will not want to work for their coach.
When soccer skills, soccer fitness, and coaching drills finally come together, it is a truly rewarding experience. Any player can see how their practice and determination pays off. These three components separate the winners from the wishers.
Tags: coaching drills, dribbling skills, soccer drills for kids, soccer drills passing, soccer dvd, soccer fitness, soccer skills, soccer speed, soccer tactics, soccer trainer, youth soccer drills
August 6th, 2010 at 5:02 am
I’d like to state – thank you for this!