So you want to learn how to play soccer? Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this guide will teach you all the basics of playing soccer. We’ll cover everything from how to kick the ball to how to score a goal. By the end, you’ll be able to confidently take the field and play like a pro! Let’s get started.
Kicking the ball
The first thing you need to know about playing soccer is how to kick the ball. Kicking the ball is the most basic way to move it up the field, and it’s also how you score goals. To kick the ball, simply approach it from the side or behind and give it a good hard strike with your foot. The sweet spot for kicking the ball is right about in the middle, where your foot meets the laces. Kicking the ball too low will make it go too slowly, and kicking it too high will make it go too high in the air and be easy for the other team to intercept.
Passing the ball
If you want to keep the ball moving up the field without kicking it yourself, you’ll need to pass it to a teammate. To do this, approach the ball from the side or behind and tap it with the inside of your foot. Passing is all about accuracy, so be sure to aim for your teammate’s feet rather than their body. You don’t need to hit the ball very hard to get it to go where you want – just a light tap will do.
Receiving a pass
Of course, passing is only useful if your teammates can actually catch the ball. To receive a pass, approach the ball from the side or behind and stop it with the inside of your foot. Then, quickly bring your foot back and trap the ball under your foot to control it. Once you have the ball trapped, you can either keep it there or pass it to another teammate.
Dribbling
If you want to move the ball up the field yourself, you’ll need to dribble. Dribbling is when you repeatedly kick the ball a short distance in front of you and then chase after it. To dribble, approach the ball from the side or behind and kick it with the inside of your foot. As soon as the ball has been kicked, quickly run after it and trap it under your foot again. Repeat this process until you reach your destination.
Shooting
Shooting is how you score goals in soccer. To shoot, approach the ball from the side or behind and give it a good hard kick with your foot. The sweet spot for shooting is the same as it is for kicking – right in the middle, where your foot meets the laces. When you kick the ball, be sure to follow through with your leg to ensure that you get enough power behind the shot.
Goalkeeping
If you’re playing goalie, your primary objective is to keep the other team from scoring. To do this, you’ll need to block shots with your body and catch balls that are headed towards the goal. When a shot is taken, quickly position yourself in front of the ball to block it. If the ball is headed towards the goal, dive forward and catch it before it goes in.
How long are soccer halves
In a professional soccer game, each half lasts for 45 minutes. However, in youth and amateur games, halves can last for anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes.
