How to Play Soccer Like David Beckham

Soccer super star David Beckham is unquestionably one of the most recognizable sports celebrities both internationally and in the US. Inspiring strong emotions in his fans and detractors, Beckham has left his mark on the sport after a decade of top-level professional playing.

Instructions

1. Step into your shots, stepping past the ball with your non-kicking foot and swinging your hips through the kick. Beckham is a deadly accurate power shot from long distances. His first real brush with fame came from his spectacular 1996 goal for Manchester United from the halfway mark against Wimbledon.

2. Know your set pieces. Beckham works like the drive spring in the clockwork of team set piece attacks and defenses. He uses his smooth, superb passing skills to keep his formations flowing and his set pieces rolling. Memorizing and understanding your set pieces are key to playing them like Beckham would.

3. Dominate the open play passing game. As much as he excels at set piece attacks and defenses, Beckham turns it up another notch when things get improvisational. He uses his near-psychic awareness of the field to anticipate the direction of play. Stay aware on the field, and try to think a few steps ahead.

4. Play passionately. Throughout his career Beckham has never held back on the field. His temper has gotten into trouble at times, including a few suspensions, but his love and dedication to the sport work well for him in the long run.

5. Bend it like Beckham does. The soccer star is a master of curving free kicks around a defensive way and striking top corner gold. To put a strong curve on a kick you'll need to strike the ball on the side opposite to direction you want to curve it in. The idea is to put a horizontal spin on the ball in the air.

6. Play with style, on and off the field. The original metrosexual, Beckham pays careful attention to his grooming, and his on-field haircuts have often caused more of a buzz than his playing.