Conditioning, training and skills development provide the basic groundwork for successful participation at all levels of soccer. Training players on specific positions, including defensive positions such as sweeper and outside fullback provides them with the skills necessary to grow into a position and excel.

Start by building endurance and speed. Use training methods such as sprints and timed distance running to help defenders reach their fitness potential. Speed helps a defender attack while endurance enables a defender to have enough energy to last the game and match the intensity of attacking players.

Teach agility. Agility training allows defenders to develop and improve skills such as the ability to move side to side and the ability to make quick turns. Develop defenders agility by using training cones. Lay ten cones in a zig zag pattern. Ask players to sprint to the first cone, bend down and touch it then sprint backwards to the next cone and bend and touch it. Proceed until the defender touches all cones.

Teach the basics of defence. Instruct defenders to keep their body in between the goal and the ball at all times.This limits the offensive players view of the goal and decreases the chance of the player getting an accurate shot on goal. Advise defenders to clear the ball to the outside. Instruct players to refrain from lunging at the ball. Lunging throws defenders off balance. Defenders should stay focused on the ball itself, not the opposing player.

Encourage teamwork. Defenders must learn to rely on their goalkeeper and fellow teammates for assistance when necessary. Keepers often provide instruction about oncoming attacks and can help lead defenders to proper defensive positions should a breakaway occur. Set up practice scenarios, including specific defensive positions for kicks and penalties to encourage communication and trust.

When you are defending during the game never charge at the ball unless you are absolutely sure that you will get it. If the opposition has the ball in control at their feet, then you must contain them. To contain (or jockey) your opponent means to position yourself in front of him and wait until he releases the ball far enough for you to intercept it. Some dribblers will move the ball without providing you with enough time for a tackle. In these cases all you can do is remain between the ball carrier and your own goal.

There are different types of methods you can use when you are defending in soccer:

–          Containing: When containing an attacker you must lower your centre of gravity by bending your knees and leaning forward. Backpedal if the attacker moves sideways. It is important to never face a dribbler straight on because they will put the ball between your legs or may simply run by you and in this case you won’t have enough time to make a complete 180 degree turn. Try to approach the ball carrier at a 45 degree angle which will then force him towards the sideline. Do not lunge at your opponent.

–          The block tackle: The block tackle is the most basic way of depleting an opponent of the ball. It is designed to give you possession while keeping you on your feet. Plant your supporting foot firmly so that you don’t lose balance. Then just as your opponent contacts the ball, you must put your free foot perpendicularly to the direction in which he is moving. If you execute this properly, this will cause your opponent to stumble.

–          Poke tackle: With poke tackling, you basically stab the ball away from your opponent. You must use the foot which is closer to the ball. Remember, this method does not guarantee that you will gain possession of the ball.

–          Side tackle: The side tackle should not be used unless in desperation or when you are away from your own goal. It is very effective against opponents dribbling down the sideline or shielding the ball.

Whether you are coaching an under 9’s game of soccer or the top senior team at your club, there are a variety of techniques you can employ to get the best out of your team. A good soccer coach will always focus on three key areas of the game: fitness, ball skills and tactics.

Fitness

Many soccer games are won and lost in the final minutes, so make sure that your team has the required fitness level to compete for the entire match. Fitness training should begin at the very first practice and continue throughout the season.

At the beginning of practice, have your players warm up by jogging around the field. After 15 minutes of warm up activities your player’s muscles will be ready for more intense training. Lead the team through a variety of different stretches. To build endurance, end practices with a jog. Fitness level is crucial and allows you to begin to build your player’s skills on the ball.

Ball skills

The skills you emphasise with your players will depend greatly on your team’s style of play. If you want your team to attack down the wings, craft your practices around crossing drills. For example, have your wide midfielders stand in a line at the corner flag and take turns crossing the ball into the box for your forwards to attack.

If you prefer slick, possession soccer, set up a scrimmage where your players only get two touches on the ball. This will encourage quick thinking and quick action. Professional players often play small-sided games with miniature goals as a way to improve first touch and speed of play. Also, make sure that you incorporate at least one drill that requires your players to strike the ball with each of their feet.

Tactics

Some coaches start with a favourite formation and then plug in the players at their disposal, while others assess the talent available to them before they decide on which formation to use. Unless you are a veteran soccer player, it is probably better to build your tactics around the abilities of players on your squad.

There are numerous player configurations such as 4-4-2 and 3-4-3 that are effective to use. Try to build the ‘spine’ of your team around your best players. If you put your smartest player at sweeper (a central defender who plays behind the other defenders)  your best passer in the centre of the midfield and your speediest player or best dribbler as striker you will have a solid axis around which to build the rest of your starting 11.

Throw-ins are somewhat crucial moments in a soccer game. They present an opportunity to maintain possession of the ball, capitalise turnover or unfortunately lose possession of the ball yourself. A throw-in is a fundamental skill in soccer. Many players ignore the development of throw-in skills, you can read our article to help you develop your throw in.

Pick up the ball. Unless you are a goalie you don’t get to use your hands much in soccer, so enjoy it while you can. Grip the ball with both hands and bring it behind your head. Your hands should be behind your head so your palms will push the ball forward when you throw it in. Make sure you have a firm but comfortable hold on it.

Position your feet facing the field. Stand a few feet behind the sideline so that you can run up to the line without crossing it. Some players like to keep their feet together, while others like one foot in front of the other. Do what you feel is most comfortable for you. Make sure you are facing the direction you would like to play to the ball.

Scan the field. Deciding where to deliver the ball is the most important step. You may have set plays for this or you may just need to find an open player. Once you have made your decision, you’ll need to execute quickly so that your opponent can’t detect where you are going to throw.

Run up to the sideline and throw the ball. Get a short running start, just 2-4 steps to help you gain the needed momentum to power the ball to its target.

Arch your back slightly. Do this right before you are ready to actually throw the ball. Many players try to throw exclusively with their arms, but most of the power should come from the back and shoulders as well as the momentum from your running start.

Square up with your target and plant your front foot. When you are ready to throw the ball, make sure your shoulders are square with your intended target. This is crucial for making an accurate throw and also necessary because the ball must travel directly over your head. Now stop your run and plant your leading foot. Remember to keep both feet down to avoid an infraction call by the referee.

Release the ball. Bring your arms up and forward so that your hands and the ball travel directly over your head. At the same time bring your arched back forward like a spring and drag the toe of your back foot on the ground. Extend your arms fully and release the ball from just behind the head. Remember to keep your head up or facing straight after the ball is released so you don’t just throw the ball at the ground.

Run on to the field and re-enter play. You have completed the throw-in and hopefully you got the ball to your teammate. Now get back out there to help move the ball into scoring position. If, on the other hand you accidentally threw the ball to your opponent you can make up for it by running to try to steal the ball back.

This guide will briefly give you tips on how to become a good striker for your soccer team. The striker of a soccer team will play up front and is responsible for the majority of goal scoring. There is a huge responsibility often put on strikers.

It is important to learn the touch. Even the best players in the world work on their touch consistently. Your touch is your feel for the ball and your ability to control it quickly first touch. To begin working on other areas of your game, you need to have a great first touch. Individually, kicking repeatedly against a wall and controlling it is extremely effective.

A striker always needs to be on their toes. As a striker it is critical to keep moving in different directions. You must annoy and confuse defenders. You will always have the edge if you are constantly moving. Don’t make yourself easy to mark as it will give you less time on the ball. The number one rule is to not run straight, but always curl your runs.

A striker’s number one skill is shooting. Practice against a wall if you are by yourself by standing about 5 meters away, hit the ball slightly with the outside of your foot, just slightly off the instep. After this, move 15 metres back and start to drive the ball. You want to hit it so it just hovers a bit off the ground with maximum power and accuracy.

If you think you have mastered this, try it after turning on the ball and after receiving it first touch, then try shooting. Heading is different altogether. Get someone to cross the ball to you and don’t be afraid just let it hit your head. Look closely at the ball and put your head and body behind it.

Finishing well is also important, in situations where you have just the keeper to beat or finish a fine passing build up you need to have a quick mind and a calm head. Too many strikers try to smash the ball in where you are more likely to score by slotting it or placing the ball in the net. The only way to practice this is by putting yourself in these situations. Get as much game practice as you can.

While most players on a soccer field receive similar training, the goalkeeper is the only one that needs specific training to harness their skills. Training your keeper with the basics will help ensure that they understand their responsibilities and know how to protect the goals in the best way possible.

Begin by working with the keeper’s feet. When the keeper stands correctly they can move around to stop the ball. Feet should be shoulder width apart and have their knees slightly bent facing the ball. The keeper should not move unless it is necessary.

Teach the keeper where to stand. The keeper should always be about three feet in front of the goal line. Additionally, teach the keeper to guard the post nearest to the attacking player without moving too far from the farthest post. This allows them to get close to the post quickly – where the player is most likely to kick the ball.

Train the keeper to keep their hands in front of them at about chest level. Hands should be about a soccer ball’s width apart. Shoulders should be back and squared. When you combine this with feet at shoulder’s width apart and bent knees, this is the ready position. It gives the keeper the best chance of moving, catching or stopping the ball.

Tell the keeper to watch the ball and the attacker’s body language, but never the attacker directly. The keeper should look for two things: the path of the ball and any feet, hand and eye movement of the attacker that will clue him in to where the attacker might strike.

The keeper must memorise and recognise field formations. Once they have stopped the ball they need to get it to their teammates. The best way to do this is to know where to put the ball so someone on their team can get it easily.

The following article will give you valuable tips on how to improve your game in indoor soccer.

The toe kick is the best weapon for scoring goals indoor. The reason is that you do not need any big space to fire a hard and well placed shot. Use the toe kick for shooting as soon as you get the chance. When playing indoor soccer you do not have much time to decide whether to pass the ball, dribble or shoot. You need to know what you are going to do before you even get the ball.

While playing indoor you should learn directly to use the walls. In defence, you may use a wall to force an opponent to dribble to the walls where it will be harder for them to score from. In offence you can use the walls as an extra player.

If an opponent attacks you, you can pass the ball off the wall and then run around your opponent to receive the ball on the other side. However, you should try to vary this tactic as opponents may learn your style of playing.

Using one touch in indoor soccer is probably the most efficient tactic. However to play one touch you will need to think fast and know what to do with the ball before you receive it. Teams will find it hard to defend you if your team is constantly passing the ball and on the move.

Try to shoot as often as you can, even if you don’t score there is a big chance that the ball will rebound and set up scoring chances for your teammates. Try not to lift the ball when playing indoor. Passing the ball on the ground is necessary due to the small field of play. Also, if the ball is cleared outside the field you will be given a free kick from that particular spot.

Lastly, dribbling in indoor soccer can be very dangerous. If you lose the ball there is a big chance that your opponents will score a goal from their contra attack.

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The development of teamwork is an essential element in all team sports. Very few sports teams can exist with a team of individuals playing for themselves. In soccer, it is even more important to have a good degree of teamwork and understanding. The improvisational nature of soccer requires the highest level of understanding and dedication amongst team mates.

As a coach, you need to develop a good relationship with players. Players play as much for the coach as they do for the team and their team mates. Developing a personal interest in their development on and off the field is they key to getting team mates to understand each other.

Share a vision with the players. It is easier to get players to work beyond their limits if they have shared ownership of the purpose of the team.

Play players in positions that get the best out of them. Once players are at an age where teamwork becomes more important than individual development, playing players in positions that give them the greatest chance of success will foster confidence in themselves, as well as confidence from their teammates.

Treat everyone fairly. Playing favourites is a sure fire way to disrupt harmony, so treating everyone with the same care and attention is important to develop teamwork in a soccer team.

Have a common focus. Whether that focus is on being the best, winning a trophy or improving from last year, anything that unites the group as a team will be important to maintaining bonds throughout the season.

The placement of your goalie during corner kicks will have a direct effect on the results of the game. Coaches and goalies need to be able to read the other team and react accordingly, advancing and defending the goal based on the type of corner kick and the way the offense is running the ball.

Place the goalie to receive a far post corner kick just to the side of the goal post, at the point farthest away from the corner the ball is being kicked in from. During a far post corner kick, the ball will be long flighted toward that further goal post with runners ready to kick into the goal.

Position the goalie close to the goal on the side facing the kicker during a near post corner kick. This type of corner kick sets up a runner to deflect the corner kick into the goal and is a fast paced play, making it harder for the goalie to read the play.

Station the goalie centrally to receive a short corner kick. This kick is designed to have the corner kick received by another player and passed to a third player. It is highly effective at changing the pace of the game and throwing off the rhythm of the defense.

The best way to learn how to position the goalie during corner kicks is to drill corner kicks regularly. This not only helps prepare the goalie to defend against corner kicks, but also helps the goalie learn to read plays and the field more effectively.

Penalty kicks occur in soccer when one player trips another player in the box. What happens next is a one-on-one, where a player shoots from around 11 meters away from the goal on the goalie.

You have to be confident. Even before you approach the ball, you need to know where you are going to shoot the ball. You have to be borderline cocky and have confidence in yourself that the shot is going in even before you kick it.

You don’t want to give away where you are putting the shot. When you run, don’t open your hips because it will show where you are aiming the ball. The whole process must be quick and straight on so that you don’t give away the advantage of being an offense.

Never look at the goalie. Look at the ball the entire time, look at the goal and know where you are going to put it. Don’t deviate from your plan. You don’t want to look at the goalie because you might give something away about where you are going to kick it.

The actual shot is actually one of the least important parts of the penalty kick, believe it or not. What is important is being confident and knowing where you are going to place the ball. As for the actual kick, keep it low and direct it to toward the side netting. If the ball touches the side netting, the goalie won’t be able to save the shot. If you shoot high in the air, the goalie will have a chance to jump at it.