Fast. Agile. Dependable. That's what it takes to be a soccer wing player. The winger position is all about taking wide attacks. These players are on either side of the field, playing close to the sidelines. It's their job to attack, cross, and pass the ball into the most active areas. Because of this, wingers have to have incredible stamina and ability. Their teammates depend on them! So, do you have what it takes to be a good winger? Follow these training techniques to stay on top of your game.
Steps
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Improve your speed. The most basic physical attributes that a good winger should have is speed. [1] X Research source With speed, you would be able to bomb down the wings like Ronaldo or Messi. To improve your speed, follow the steps laid out in this section.
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Have a friend place both of his hands on your shoulders.Advertisement
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Try to run as hard as you can in the direction of your friend while he tries to prevent you from doing so with his or her hands on your shoulders.
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Ask your friend to let go and move away after about 10 seconds. This should result in you running at full speed in a forward motion.
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Repeat this method at least 10 times a week. You should find that your speed will increase in about a month or so. This method is widely used by many athletes to beef up their speed.
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Increase your agility. [3] X Research source No winger would be complete without good dribbling and agility. How to build these up? Simple––follow the suggestions in this section.
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Do daily dribbling and movement with the ball in confined spaces. A good place to do it would be in your own home. But please avoid any damage to any thing or person.
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Do lots of turns with the ball and get accustomed to the leg movements. The more you do, the better your ball control will be. Ball control is essential for dribbling.
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Run. As for agility, you can do shuttle runs on a weekly basis. [4] X Research source Try to time yourself every time you do it and make an effort to beat your timing at every attempt.
- Also, you could learn some dribbling moves through viewing tutorial videos on YouTube.
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Work on improving your weak foot. You need to be able to cross, pass, and shoot with both feet. Many of the world's greatest wingers are two-footed and are so dangerous because they are able to cut in and shoot or drift wide and cross. Work on using you weak foot to control, pass, and shoot the ball. It may feel awkward at first, but eventually, you will get used to it and it will feel natural.
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Look for space when your team is in possession. Run to the space and do this very frequently. [5] X Research source
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Use your vision to help find spaces which aren't offside. Place yourself there regularly at right moments.
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Ask for someone to pass to you in that space. If in wing position, cross or dribble and shoot or pass.
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I improve foot strength in my kicking foot?Community AnswerRun up and down steps or any staircase; do that with enough intensity to build strong feet. When taking a shot, make sure you shift your body weight in the direction of your shot.
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QuestionHow can I control the ball better?Community AnswerPractice your ball dribbling to work on your close control. You can also throw the ball directly in the air and judge where it will land to take it down and trap the ball.
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QuestionDuring my practice, I am a good player but during a game play I become nervous. Why?Community AnswerThat's just natural human instinct. Learn to be confident with the ball and protect it. The nervousness should lessen the more confident you become.
Video
Reader Videos
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Tips
- Practice for several hours every day and then you will see how much your touch improves.Thanks
- Dribble in and out of the cones to have more control over the ball.Thanks
- Touch the ball everyday. That is the key to becoming a good soccer player. The more you get accustomed to the ball, the better you will be.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
- Positioning is key. Watch professionals play at that position and study what they do when they don't have the ball, or when the other team has the ball
- Go to the gym to build strength in your legs, and try skills that other great wingers use/used e.g. the Elastico, Ronaldo chop, and Rainbow flick.
- Work on your crosses as these are one of the winger's main jobs, and work on timing your runs so you're not offside.
- Practice taking free kicks. Try to experiment with various run-ups and shot placement techniques as you go.
References
About This Article
To be a great wing player in soccer, you’ll need to be fast, agile, and know how to be in the right place at the right time. If you want to improve your speed, have a friend hold your shoulders in place as you try to run forward. After 10 seconds, have them let go, which will help you start running at full speed from a stand-still. You should also practice dribbling drills daily. Moving the ball around cones and in confined spaces is great for improving your agility. When you’re playing out on the field, look for open spaces when your team has the ball. Then, run to these places so you’re ready when someone passes to you. To learn how to improve your stamina, read on!
Reader Success Stories
- "The information was so informative to a beginner like me and the video, just enlighten me with lots of ways on how to become a good winger." ..." more