Q&A for How to Be Good at Soccer

To be good at soccer, you really have to learn to love the game. When I was coaching high school, there was a kid who tried out for a high school team, and he didn't have a lot of experience. We worked with him several days a week, but you would see him with a soccer ball almost every day. The next year, he was able to make the varsity team thanks to his hard work.

There isn't really a way to be good without practicing. Even someone who seems to be okay without doing much practicing can never be on the same level as people who do practice and work hard.

Probably not. You will more likely become accustomed to playing with a larger ball, forcing you to adjust to a normal-sized soccer ball when you play in a game. Better to practice with the same size ball you will use in games.

Try to trick the goal keeper using your body. For example: Get the ball to go on the front of your shoe and turn your body the same way as your foot but then curve it in the other direction. You'll get there eventually!

You can do all of the things recommended above. Perhaps set up a scrimmage with some of your friends and test out your new abilities. Gender is not an issue.

Not really, but they will help you a lot in terms of becoming a better soccer player. If you'd like to go pro, check out How to Become a Professional Soccer Player for some useful tips and information.

Tell the people to pass you the ball, and explain to them that if they never pass you the ball, you will never get the practice you need to become better. If the problem persists, speak with your coach.

Yes. If you practice a lot and follow these tips correctly, you will improve at soccer and increase your chances of making a team.

You're never too old! At any age, keep practicing!

Try to keep your eye on the ball. If you see it coming towards you, try to block it. Use your hands if needed. It's okay if you miss it; just try again the next time.

Practice. Look online for a plethora of drills that will help you develop your dribbling and stick at it.

If a defender is charging at you and it's too late to do the scissor move, go for another move. Also, practise doing the move slowly so you understand how to do it, then build up to doing it faster and faster.

If you know the reason he doesn't like you, and it is something you can work on, then try working on it. A frank discussion with the coach might help, but don't ask him why he doesn't like you as that might not even be true. You can try asking him what you should work on to improve your chances of making the team.

Make yourself more valuable to the team. Work extra hard to improve your skills, both in practice and outside of practice. If all goes well he will see your dedication and improvement and bring you out onto the field.

Try to confront this bully first, and ask him or her to stop. If the bully does not stop, then you should speak with your coach. Bullying is not good teamwork, and teamwork is an essential part of soccer.

Try building up your defending skills and awareness. Also, try to learn their moves and practice stopping them.

To make a good pass, you have to consider the distance and run of your mate. Always hit the ball with the inside of your foot because it provides more accuracy.

Yes, but to get the most out of practice, get some friends and go to a local pitch or park. Having other people to train with will improve your coordination, movement, and positioning.

The number one thing to do is to not stab at the ball. Get low and shuffle backwards, keeping just enough pressure until you see them make a mistake, such as taking too big of a touch. That's when you dive in to steal it. If you are confident enough, you can "tackle" the ball. That means charge right at them and collide with their feet and make them lose balance, and the ball.

Of course it is! If you are not fast, you could be either the goalie or a defender, these are very important positions.

Football or "Soccer" boots give many benefits, certainly. It depends on your play style. If you are going out with friends for a kick-about, then your attire should not affect you too much. If you are looking to dedicate your time into the sport, e.g. playing for a team, a pair of boots are a well-worth investment.

It is good to be aggressive only when necessary. If you are a wing back, defender or striker, you can rough up or be on a player's back by pressuring them and using your body to push or press on them. They will fear you especially if you make a few runs in like hard tackles but always get the ball.

Try doing the bicycle kick in a soft, comfortable, grassy area, and stretch your arms to cushion the fall. This will take a lot of practice.

Try to communicate with your teammates during plays. Practice different scenarios with your team outside of the game so you have an idea of what to do.

A rainbow flick is very, very advanced. But if you can do it, try bending your heel a little to make the ball curve over the player.

You have to master it while training. Then keep your cool and pull it off in the right situation.

Try making a nice, smooth first contact with a light header that bounces to the ground so you can trap it.

I practice in my room by doing really small drills. I've done it for 3 years and I've mastered juggling and now my team ALWAYS wins at matches!

Keep your eye on the ball at all times. Be brave. If you miss it, it's okay, just try again next time. Also, just like with any position, practice a lot.

It might mean that soccer is not your sport -- not everyone is physically made for all sports.