Q&A for How to Train for Soccer

Go for a run! In a typical soccer game, you'll run around 4–6 miles (6.4–9.7 km).

It's not easy becoming pro, but if you really want to then about 2-3 hours of practice a day, minimum. Be careful to not over do it and hydrate.

Practice shooting a lot. Remember placement over power when it comes to shooting. Although hard shots are always good, a hard shot to the keeper does nothing. Always aim for the corners of the goal. Do sprints. As a forward you will be expected to do a lot of short sprints while getting through balls. Practice your moves and remember to pay attention to offsides as well as staying as far up as possible.

Work on your spacing, and make sure you know how to back up your other defenders.

Run, practice dribbling and passing, and just do a lot of fitness work. Lots of running.

A defender's job is to clear the ball from the back and help the goalie keep the ball clear of the net.

Don't be afraid of the ball. If you are in the outer field, the worst that could happen is a few bruises and you're not going to get seriously injured in every game or practice, so just go out there and have fun.

You can go to a coach for one-on-one lessons or a private soccer tutor/trainer.

Practicing dribbling will increase your speed while dribbling, but not so much as just running in general. And a seven-minute mile as a forward is perfectly fine, but you may want to work on just sprints to help in situations where you have a breakaway or just need to be fast.

You could try taking a long run up to the ball. Also, plant your non-dominant foot firmly alongside just behind the ball and swing your dominant kicking leg back more to achieve more power.

Dribbling, juggling, faking out the other players, and kicking the ball (accurately) with a lot of power.

You will need to practice as much as possible, and you will get better.

As often as you can, especially if you want to be really good. A minimum should be 4 times a week. Any less means you're not that committed to improving or becoming great at the game.

Try football drills that include passing and dribbling with your weak foot. It will be hard and maybe frustrating at the start, but keep trying and your weaker foot will improve if you keep repeating the same drills over and over again.

Give yourself a reward after your training sessions. This could be going out for dinner or going shopping. If you are a child, maybe ask your parents for a small treat.

Practice dribbling, passing and shooting with only your weaker foot. This will definitely help.

You can just practice running and speed and then when you do get equipment, start doing drills.

Work on getting around defenders by using cones and practise shooting at different parts of the net.

These skills are essential: Crossing, shooting, passing, dribbling, tackling, sprinting and running.