23 Ways on How to Get Better at Soccer With Pro Tips

Soccer is more than just a game; it’s a passion that requires dedication, practice, and a continuous desire to improve. The journey to becoming better at soccer is filled with excitement, challenges, and fulfillment.

From mastering the basics like dribbling, passing, and shooting to watching and learning from professionals, every step offers a unique learning experience.

This article will guide you on how to get better at soccer, focusing on improving your first touch, ball handling, shooting, defending, and much more.

Table of Contents

How to Get Better at Soccer?

1. Improving Your Footwork

A. Perfect Your First Touch

Your first touch is crucial as it sets you up for your next pass, shot, or dribble without pausing. This skill is what sets pros apart from beginners. You need to be able to stop a ball at your feet, whether it’s in the air or on the ground, so that your next touch can start an attack right away. Here’s how to do it:

Close-range one-touch passing with a partner: This helps in making your first touch an accurate pass, making it difficult for defenders to steal the ball.
Having a teammate throw or cross a ball in the air: You must take only two touches, one to settle and the other to pass it back.
Passing and shooting on the run: To time your first touch such that you can continue your stride and pass or shoot on your second touch.

B. Practice Close-Touch Ball Handling Drills

Your goal with these drills isn’t just to get faster. You also want to get better at dribbling and passing by learning to control the ball with your whole foot. Here’s how to practice:

Bounce the ball between your feet: Use the insoles to keep the ball between your knees and pass back and forth as quickly as possible.
Tap the ball rapidly on the top with your toes: Focus on getting as quick as possible and work on rolling the ball slightly with the sole of your toe.
Try the “in-and-out”: Roll the ball to the right with the bottom of your right foot, then pass it to your left foot with your instep. Hold it with the bottom of your left foot and roll it out. Do this with your right foot.

C. Practice Pulling Off Shots and Crosses on the Run

Being accurate and powerful on the move makes you a defender’s worst nightmare. Being able to shoot and cross the ball while on the run adds a dynamic element to your game. Here’s how to practice this skill:

Take a touch and get up to roughly 75% full speed: Then take the shot. As you improve, pick up the speed.
Approach from various angles: Practice hitting shots while running up the center of the field and working on crosses across your body from the sidelines.
Work on the skills you need for your position: For example, a defender needs to be able to turn the ball and get up the pitch as quickly as possible to stop an attack.

D. Pay Attention to Your Non-Dominant Foot

Mastering your non-dominant foot is crucial in soccer, as it makes you unpredictable and versatile. Here’s how to work on it:

Practice with both feet: Great players are dangerous with both feet, forcing defenders to cover all options.
Work on specific drills for your non-dominant foot: This includes passing, shooting, and dribbling exercises.
Incorporate your non-dominant foot in game situations: Use it in matches to build confidence and skill.

E. Learn to Dribble with Precise, Tight Control

The ball should feel like an extension of your foot. Dribbling with precision and control is vital in soccer. It allows you to maneuver through defenders and maintain possession. Here’s how to master it:

Take the ball into a small area: Practice dribbling between lines, varying your speed with sharp sprints and quick stops.
Set up obstacle courses: Use flags, cones, or old T-shirts to make yourself zig-zag, weave, and change directions without losing the ball.
Work on advanced moves and tricks: These require precise ball control and give you new offensive tools in games.

F. Mastering Ball Control

Ball control is the cornerstone of a good soccer player. This involves perfecting your first touch, which sets you up for your next pass, shot, or dribble without pausing. Here’s how to master ball control:

Learn to hit the ball in different areas: This will create different spins and shots. Practice hitting with the inside of your foot for short and accurate passes, and use the outside thirds with your laces to bend the ball.
Practice backspin chips and knuckle shots: These techniques add variety to your game.
Always follow through with your foot: Whether it’s a shot, a pass, or a cross, following through gives you more control over where the ball goes.

G. Improving Dribbling Skills

Improving dribbling skills is essential for any soccer player. It enhances your ability to control the ball, maneuver through defenders, and create scoring opportunities. Here’s how to improve your dribbling skills:

Practice Ball Handling Drills: Use both feet, work on precise touches, and control the ball with your entire foot.
Set Up Obstacle Courses: Zig-zag and weave through cones or flags to improve agility and control.
Work on Advanced Moves and Tricks: Practice specific dribbling techniques that require precise ball control.
Juggle the Ball: It helps improve touch and keep the ball close with your entire body.

H. Enhancing Shooting and Passing Techniques

One can create various spins and shots by hitting the ball in various locations. Most of the time, you use the inside of your foot to make short, accurate throws. It will bend if you hit the ball on the outside thirds with your feet. You can also “knuckle” the ball by cracking it with the laces just below dead centre and dodging a follow-through throw. This takes away the spin and makes the ball drop in an unpredictable way. Here’s how to enhance these techniques:

Practice Shots and Crosses on the Run: Work on accuracy and power while moving at different speeds and angles.
Learn to Hit the Ball in Different Areas: Experiment with various spins and shots, using different parts of your foot.
Follow Through with Your Foot: Whether it’s a shot, pass, or cross, following through gives you more control.
Work on Position-Specific Skills: Tailor your practice to the specific requirements of your playing position.

2. Learn to Master the Position

A. Developing Defensive Skills

Defensive skills are crucial in soccer, as they prevent the opposing team from scoring. Here’s how to develop these skills:

Learn One-on-One Defending: Work on handling your opponent and pressuring them effectively. Stay slightly crouched and angle your body to guide the attacker.
Keep Your Shape Defensively: Maintain a horizontal line with your fellow defenders, holding shape to prevent gaps and holes.
Watch the Player’s Hips: This helps in predicting their movement and avoiding getting tricked.
Take Every Practice Seriously: Focus on your weak spots and work on them during practice.

B. Getting Fit for Your Position

Physical fitness is essential for performing at your best. Here’s how to get fit for your position:

Follow a Position-Specific Training Routine: Tailor your fitness routine to the demands of your playing position.
Incorporate Strength and Conditioning: Build stamina, strength, and agility.
Eat a Balanced Diet: Fuel your body with the right nutrients for optimal performance.

C. Practicing Regularly

There’s no faster way to get better at soccer than to play as much as you can. Still, if you play against the best company you can handle, you’ll get much better much faster. Try out for a team that will challenge you, or if that’s not possible, give yourself tasks.

Set a Regular Practice Schedule: Consistency is key to improvement.
Work on Specific Skills: Focus on areas that need improvement.
Seek Feedback from Coaches and Teammates: Continuous feedback helps identify growth areas.

D. Improving Your Weak Foot

Your weak foot, often neglected, can be a significant asset that sets you apart from other players. Being able to use both feet with equal skill makes you unpredictable and versatile on the field.
Spend a considerable amount of time strengthening your weak foot. This includes using it during practice sessions for shooting, passing, or dribbling. The more you use it, the more comfortable you’ll become.
A good way to improve your weak foot is by using it exclusively during training sessions or warm-ups. This forces you to rely on it, thereby improving its coordination and strength.

E. Increasing Your Speed

Speed is a crucial attribute in soccer, allowing you to outrun opponents and quickly get into advantageous positions. It’s not just about raw speed, but also about how quickly you can start, stop, and change direction.
Incorporate sprinting drills into your training routine to increase your speed over short distances. This could involve sprinting between cones or doing shuttle runs.
Agility ladders, hurdle drills, and plyometrics can also help improve your speed and agility. These exercises improve your footwork, coordination, and explosive power, all of which contribute to your overall speed on the pitch.

F. Working on Your Heading Skills

Heading is an essential skill in soccer, useful in both defensive and attacking situations. A well-placed header can be just as effective as a well-placed kick.
Practice your heading skills by having someone throw the ball to you, and then try to head it into a goal or at a specific target. This helps improve your accuracy and timing.
Remember to use your forehead to contact the ball and keep your eyes open. This gives you more control over the ball and helps prevent injury.

G. Practicing Goalkeeping Skills

Even if you’re not a goalkeeper, understanding the basics of goalkeeping can make you a more rounded player. It can also come in handy in emergency situations when your team’s regular goalkeeper is unavailable.
Practice catching and punching the ball, diving, and positioning yourself correctly in the goal. These are all fundamental goalkeeping skills that require regular practice to master.
If possible, get some training sessions with a professional goalkeeper coach. They can provide valuable insights and tips that you might not get from a general soccer coach.

Also Read: 4 2 4 Formation in Soccer Explain: A Comprehensive Guide

3. Follow the Routine

A. Working on Your Physical Fitness

Soccer is a physically demanding sport that requires endurance, strength, agility, and speed. Regular fitness training can help improve these attributes.
Incorporate a variety of exercises into your training routine, including cardio workouts for endurance, strength training for power, and agility drills for speed and flexibility.
Remember to warm up before and cool down after each training exercise. This can help keep you from getting hurt and help you do better.

B. Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Any athlete needs to live in a good way. This means having a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.Hydration is also important, especially during training and matches.
Avoid unhealthy habits like smoking or drinking alcohol excessively. These can harm your physical fitness and performance on the pitch.
Regular exercise, even outside soccer training, can help keep you in shape. This could involve activities like running, swimming, cycling, or weight training.

C. Staying Motivated

Motivation is key in any sport. Set personal goals for yourself and strive to achieve them. This could involve improving a particular skill, scoring a certain number of goals in a season, or helping your team win a tournament.
Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and don’t get too down on yourself after a defeat. Learn from your mistakes and use them as motivation to improve.
Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy playing soccer. The passion and love for the game are what will keep you going, even when things get tough.

4. Increasing your Soccer knowledge

A. Improving Your Tactical Understanding

Soccer is not just about physical skills; it’s also a game of strategy. Understanding the tactics of the game, such as when to press, when to hold back, and how to create space, can significantly improve your performance.
Watch professional games and analyze the tactics used by the teams. Try to understand why certain decisions are made and how they contribute to the team’s performance.
Participate in tactical training sessions and drills. These can help you understand the game better and make smarter decisions on the pitch.

B. Developing Your Mental Strength

Mental strength is just as important as physical ability in soccer. It’s about staying focused, confident, and positive, even when things aren’t going your way.
Practice techniques such as visualization and positive self-talk to improve your mental strength. These can help you stay calm under pressure and perform at your best.
Don’t be too hard on yourself after a bad game or mistake. Learn from it and move on. Remember, even the best players make mistakes.

C. Seeking Feedback and Continually Learning

No matter how good you become, there’s always room for improvement. Seek feedback from your coaches, teammates, and opponents to identify improvement areas.
Be open to learning and trying new things. This could involve learning a new skill, adopting a new tactic, or even playing in a different position.
Stay humble and remember that every player, no matter how skilled, has something they can improve on.

D. Enhancing Communication and Teamwork

Communication and teamwork are the backbones of a successful soccer team. Here’s how to enhance these aspects:

Communicate Constantly on the Field: Talk about defensive marks, advice to the player dribbling, and making runs. Be a team leader and keep everyone on the same page.
Learn the Basics of Team Tactics: Understand strategies like contracting on defense and expanding on offense. Follow up all shots and keep your defensive shape.
Play and Make Decisions Quickly: Pass the ball and keep moving, playing with urgency and making quick, decisive decisions.

E. Learning from the Best

Learning from professional players and coaches can significantly improve your soccer skills. Here’s how to do it:

Watch Professional Games: Analyze the techniques and strategies used by top players.
Attend Training Camps and Clinics: Learn from experienced coaches and players.
Study Players in Your Position: Focus on their movements, decisions, and playing style.

In conclusion, getting better at soccer involves a combination of physical training, tactical understanding, mental strength, and a willingness to learn and improve. It’s a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a love for the game. But with the right approach and mindset, you can become a better soccer player and enjoy the beautiful game even more.

Also Read: What is a Hat Trick in Soccer? – Explained by Soccer Coach

How to Get Better at Juggling Soccer?

Soccer juggling talent can greatly improve your touch and control. Here are some tips to improve:

Start Small: One bounce and one touch. Increase touches as you become used to them.
Try juggling with your laces, inside, outside, and toes. This improves ball control.
Keep the Ball Low: Keep the ball below your waist. This increases control and simplifies management.
Practise Regularly: Your skill will improve with practise, like any other. Juggling should be practised regularly.
Challenge Yourself: After mastering fundamental juggling, challenge yourself. This could involve juggling while moving, with only your weaker foot, or with stunts like around the world.

How to Get Better at Dribbling in Soccer?

Soccer requires dribbling to get past defenders and create chances. How to enhance your dribbling:

Use Both Feet: The finest dribblers use both feet equally. As much as your stronger foot, practise dribbling.
Maintain Ball Control: The closer the ball to your feet, the more control you have. Touch the ball with every step.
Change Speed and Direction: Sudden speed and direction changes can confuse defenders. Practise fast direction and pace adjustments.
Use Your Body: Body shield the ball from defenders. This is handy when dribbling slowly.
Practise Different Methods: Dribbling methods include the step-over, nutmeg, and roulette. To apply these methods in games, practise them.

Also Read: What is a Clean Sheet in Soccer? – Explained by Soccer Coach

How to Get Better at Soccer by Yourself?

Improving soccer can be done without a squad or coach. You can improve yourself a lot. Some tips:

Fitness Workout: Sports like soccer demand stamina. Run, sprint, and agility drills into your regimen.
Practise Ball Control: Use a wall or rebounder to practise passing and first touch. You can practise dribbling and shooting.
Study the Game: Watch professional soccer matches and watch your position players. Understand their positioning, mobility, and decision-making.
Technology: Many internet resources and apps can help you improve. Make use of them.
Improve Your Weaknesses: Improve your game by setting aside time. This could be your weaker foot, heading, or free-kick skills.

Also Read: 4 4 2 Soccer Formation Explain: A Comprehensive Guide

How to Get Better at Midfield in Soccer?

Always Move: The midfield might be packed, making ball retrieval difficult. The best midfielders move around, discovering gaps the opposition still needs to consider.
Head Up: Soccer requires vision. Midfielders can benefit greatly by keeping their heads up and seeing spaces and openings.
Master Your First Touch: A nice midfield first touch is crucial. Having the ball offers you extra time to work and prevents you from losing possession.
Shoot If You’re In a Good Position: Don’t hesitate to shoot. Some of the top midfielders score goals.
Stay Simple and Composed: Long passes seem impressive but are unsafe. Short, crisp passes are better because they don’t lose possession.

How to Get Better at Shooting in Soccer?

Tips to improve soccer shooting:

Goalkeepers have trouble diving sideways, so aim for corners. Shoot above or below for increased odds.
Place your foot level with the ball. High shots may cause your foot to be behind it, decreasing accuracy.
Focus on the ball, not goal or defenders. This improves shot accuracy and power.
Contact Area: Right foot. Indoors for grounded passes, outside for direct kicks. Lock your ankle for accuracy.
Follow-through increases power and accuracy. Complete your kick after hitting the ball. Balance on your kicking foot.

Tips to Get Better at Soccer?

Practice Every Day
Work on the Basics
Optimize Your Training
Use the Best Equipment
Focus on Your First Touch
Want the Soccer Ball
Work Hard Both on the Field and off It
Push Yourself
Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Set Specific Goals
Listen to Your Coach
Get Feedback
Don’t Give Up
Stay Positive
Keep Learning
Communicate Effectively
Teamwork
Know the Rules

Also Read: Difference Between Soccer Field Vs Football Field Explained by Soccer Coach

Summing Up on How to Get Better at Soccer

Soccer skill improvement requires constant practise, perseverance, and a love of the game. Your performance depends on every area, from improving your dribbling, shooting, and juggling to understanding midfield dynamics. Remember, you may practice and improve soccer alone.

Stamina and ball control training can make a big difference. So, keep these tips in mind, stay motivated, and you’ll see how to get better at soccer. One step at a time is the key to becoming the finest player.

FAQs on How to Get Better at Soccer

Can You Get Better at Soccer by Yourself?

Yes, you can improve your soccer skills by yourself. Soccer may be a team sport, but individual practice is crucial. Regular solo training can help you refine your skills and techniques. It’s about going the extra mile, practicing your dribbling, shooting, and passing skills. You can also work on your fitness and stamina, which are essential for soccer.

How Can I Increase My Stamina for Soccer?

Increasing stamina for soccer involves a combination of aerobic and anaerobic exercises. Interval training, where you alternate between high-intensity and low-intensity activities, is particularly effective. Regular long runs can also build your endurance. Remember, it’s important to stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your training.

What is the Hardest Football Skill?

The “Elastico” or “flip-flap” is often considered one of the hardest football skills. This move involves using the outside of the foot to push the ball in one direction, then quickly using the inside of the same foot to move the ball in the opposite direction. It’s a challenging trick that requires excellent ball control and timing.

Do Kick Ups Improve Ball Control?

Absolutely! Kick-ups, also known as keepy-uppies, are a great way to improve ball control. This exercise helps develop consistency with the ball, perfect your touch, and improve control for your weaker foot. It’s also beneficial for improving control when receiving passes. The key is regular practice.

Can Soccer Change Your Body?

Soccer can indeed change your body. It’s a great sport for maintaining health, fitness, strength, and endurance. Regular soccer play can increase aerobic capacity and cardiovascular health, build muscle strength, improve flexibility, and even lead to better posture. It’s a full-body workout that can contribute to overall physical fitness.