4 Soccer - Yerning For Ideas About Player Positions?

Two on the Practice Field, One in the Game

One great strategy for soccer practice is doubling up. In other words, use two soccer balls instead of one. Two-ball practices can be implemented when working on passing and scoring, playing scrimmage, and practicing almost any other type of drill. Doubling up during practice will make it easier for the player to perform agilely with one ball during the game. Players will not be as stressed out or worried, but will also be used to planning ahead as they play. Doubling up during practice can also increase endurance, as players will have to work twice as hard in order to accomplish the same drills. Keep in mind that though doubling up allows them to refine their skills, it does not allow them to learn those skills in the first place. Beginning players should begin with just one ball.

Agility Training for Soccer

Agility is a crucial soccer skill, and there are many exercises you can use to improve in this area. Start with working on moving around obstacles with the ball. You should practice with a variety of obstacles to work around. Cones, arches, and coaching sticks are all great tools to use. Set up these objects in a variety of patterns and practice each one diligently. Make sure as you practice that you are not only working on efficiency with time, but also efficiency in terms of space, as you maneuver around these obstacles. Since you sometimes have to jump over or around an object (such as another player coming in with a sliding kick), you should eventually practice working with hurdles as well. Equally important to handling a ball in your possession is developing the skill to quickly, accurately acquire possession. You should practice techniques for trapping a ball, both in a goalie position and as a field player. One great way to improve agility is to work with a reaction ball, which moves unpredictably because of uneven weight distribution. You can also use a netted or pendulum ball.

Proper Soccer Player Accessories

Shinguards and cleats are the most fundamental pieces of equipment for soccer players. Your shinguards should have a good, reliable fit; they should also be sturdy enough to withstand kicks, but flexible enough to move with you. The best shinguards also provide some ankle protection. Even the best shinguards do slip around somewhat. To prevent this, you can wear shinguard protection sleeves, which keep them in place without cutting off your circulation. With cleats, look for great traction, since you will be frequently playing on wet grass and mud. Goalies may also want to have soccer gloves and knee pads. Though you may not want to wear knee pads during your games, you may want to have them during practice to protect your knees as a goalkeeper. Goaltending gloves help goalies grip the ball. No matter what position you play, a pair of athletic gloves can help keep your hands warm and flexible for throw-ins.

Helping Soccer Players Avoid Dehydration

There is more physical effort expended in soccer games than in almost any other sport, but not all players are aware of the need to stay hydrated. Many soccer players are at risk for dehydration. Players on the soccer field are constantly running in the sun and are losing tremendous amounts of water through sweat. Players who are younger or less experienced need to be reminded often to hydrate themselves. One of the best things you can do as a parent or coach is to always have water accessible to the team. Also, give instruction on the importance of good hydration so the players know what to look for themselves. Teaching soccer players to be more self-sufficient and aware of hydration issues will lead to less emergencies.