| Soccer is a game of great skill, combining natural skills, | | | | should always consult your coach before trying any |
| lots of training for ultimate performance. It is also | | | | of these maneuvers to make sure you are |
| very entertaining and exhilarating for spectators and | | | | performing them correctly. |
| has a strong following. | | | | Soccer drills are an important part of the game. They |
| The game is played with two teams of 11 players | | | | need to be developed and practised. If you have |
| each. Some people have said, that it is one of the | | | | ever played or watched soccer, you know that the |
| most exciting and fun games to watch in the world. | | | | players need aggressive play strategies in order to |
| The objective of the game is to score the most | | | | get the ball. It is not a sport that is meant for the |
| goals. | | | | shy. There are a variety of drills you can do to |
| The game originated in England and has since spread | | | | practice that will make you a better player and |
| in popularity across the world. The ball is dribbled with | | | | sportsman. |
| the players feet rather than their hands. The ball is | | | | A great drill to practice playing soccer with is called |
| then passed with feet to another player or into the | | | | Get Control. The coach will need to divide the players |
| goal. | | | | into two teams. Then balls are thrown up and out |
| If you enjoy watching and playing soccer, you are | | | | into the air, players are responding for gaining control |
| aware that the defense of the ball is the secret of | | | | of the ball without using your hands or arms. The |
| the game. Coaches work on strategizing ways that | | | | player is then responsible for putting the ball into play |
| they have the team work together in defense of | | | | by passing it or attempting to score a goal. |
| the ball so that the opposing team does not score. | | | | If a player is unable to put the ball into play then he |
| Often coaches will ask team members to work on | | | | will suffer some consequences such as a lap around |
| individual lines of defense as well as working as a | | | | the field or push ups. Every player should have a |
| team to defend the ball. There are essentially two | | | | chance to get the ball and put it into play. |
| ways to block the ball and they are blocking and | | | | Another great drill is ball protection. For this drill, |
| tackling on the side. | | | | partners are assigned. You work with your partner to |
| The slide tackle is banned on some youth soccer | | | | dribble the ball back and forth and to practice moving |
| teams because it is dangerous. Just as it sounds, a | | | | with the ball. Then give your partner feedback as |
| slide tackle is used to slide into your opponent and | | | | well as advice on how they can improve by either |
| get the ball away from your opponents feet. It | | | | moving faster or volleying the ball at a quicker pace. |
| should only be done as a last resort because it can | | | | Another fun drill is close and protect. Once again, you |
| harm you as well as the other player. | | | | will practice with a partner and you need to |
| If the grass is wet, or muddy, you have less chance | | | | essentially, get control of the ball and keep it. This is |
| of an injury with a slide tackle. Only use the lower | | | | not meant to be a drill for bullys but you do need to |
| part of your body to slide, otherwise you will more | | | | play aggressively to maintain control of the ball. |
| than likely injure yourself. Keep in mind that the | | | | Or, another variance on this drill is to have one player |
| object is not kick or trip your opponent in anyway. | | | | attempt to gain control of the ball from the other |
| Soccer blocking is used by the goal keeper to knock | | | | player by maneouvering his body safely, and |
| the ball away with his hands. It is a relatively safe | | | | obtaining the ball legally. This is a true test in patience |
| way to block the ball without causing injury. | | | | and ease of movement. |
| The goal keeper can use his hands and arms to block | | | | Another drill that is a true test of skill is called the |
| within the goal area. He is the only player that can | | | | push and steal drill. This drill needs close supervision to |
| use his hands and arms. Players are forbidden to use | | | | assure that players are playing fairly. |
| their hands but can use any other part of their body | | | | The coach and assistant coach will each a ball and the |
| to move the ball. | | | | players line up and attempt to retrieve the ball fairly. |
| Keep in mind that it is unlawful to impede your | | | | The coach may move and dribble the ball down the |
| opponent from playing so any blocking or slide | | | | field and the players line up one at a time and move |
| tackling should be done carefully. Otherwise, you will | | | | with the coach and the ball and attempt to get it. |
| be hit with a penalty kick which will essentially give | | | | Keep in mind that these drills are meant to teach |
| your opposing team a point. | | | | players to move and play fairly with the ball. At |
| You may use your body to essentially shield the ball | | | | times, the drill may get out of hand and the coach |
| from other players without having direct contact. | | | | will need to intervene to assure that no one gets |
| This will help you maintain possession of the ball. This | | | | hurt or that the game gets out of hand. |
| is a safe way to defend the ball. | | | | Soccer is a game of aggressive play strategies, high |
| Any and all of these tactics should be practiced. You | | | | skill levels and dedication to training and fitness. |