7 Top Tips for Developing Soccer Skills for the Beginner

While some players may have natural talent, soccer skills can be learned. The skills can developed through regular training and practice. Over time the techniques become embedded in muscle memory which builds confidence and leads to the skills becoming natural. The following tips provide a good starting point for the soccer beginner: 

1. Work on the soccer fundamentals. Every day practice a little rather than doing a lot of practice all at once. Practice the following fundamental skills: shooting, ball control, dribbling, passing, tackling, shielding, and heading.
2. Become familiar with the ball. It is your friend. Roll it from side-to-side with the sole of each foot and the inside/outside of each foot. Do this standing up and sitting down. This exercise will make the fundamental skills easier to learn and master.
3. Develop your weaker foot from the start. Kick the ball against a wall from different distances and with different balls over and over with your weaker foot. Players that can use both feet effectively are rare and in high demand. This practice will also help you learn how to pass the ball with your weaker foot. Once you have some ability with your weaker foot, do this exercise against the wall using both feet alternatively.
4. Do extra practice on learning how to dribble. Running with the ball under close control enables you to change direction quickly and fool a defender. Practice tapping the ball ahead of you in small movements from one side of the field to the other. Learn one or two tricks that you can do at speed.
5. Practice with a small soccer ball. Kicking a mini-ball or tennis ball will help you to develop improvisation, creativity, technique, ball control and passing and when you come to play with a match ball it will feel much easier to control because of the skill that you now have with a much smaller ball.
6. Imagine playing soccer in your mind. By imagining yourself taking free kicks, scoring goals and beating a defender etc, your mind and body combine to make them automatic behavior.
7. Keep a record of your soccer skills development. Every week write down what are you good at and not so good at. Rate your skill levels on a soccer scorecard. Make your own scorecard or find one at the website linked below. You will find that such a scorecard is motivating. It helps you to notice your progress and to see what you need to work on to improve your game.

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