Soccer Moves & Techniques

In soccer as in so many things, practice makes perfect.

The fast-paced, highly technical sport of soccer requires skill, speed, endurance and good technique to play at a high level. Whether you're a seasoned player or an absolute beginner, it's important not to set foot on the pitch without a good grasp of the basic moves and techniques.

Dribbling

Dribbling is one of most basic skills required in soccer. It's similar to dribbling in basketball, except instead of using your hands to maintain control of the ball, you use your feet. Good dribbling skills can be your best friend when it comes to outwitting defenders and maneuvering the ball inside for a shot on goal.

Passing

People often say soccer is a passing game, and they are absolutely right. A team that passes quickly and skillfully can maintain possession and control a match. For an example, watch FC Barcelona in Spain or Arsenal in England; both are excellent passing teams. Being able to pass the ball accurately while on the run and under pressure is much of what goes into making a player good.

Shooting

To win a soccer match you must score goals. This means you must be able to shoot. Knowing how to spot an opening and shoot accurately and forcefully is an essential skill in the sport. Some of the highest paid players in the professional game specialize in doing just this one thing. These players are called "strikers." However, whether you play offense or defense, it's important to develop good shooting skills. In soccer, defenders often join on attacks and if the ball lands at their feet they need to be able to seize their opportunity and make a shot.

Heading

Heading can be used both offensively and defensively. Strikers often head the ball for a goal, while defenders commonly use their head to deflect long opposition balls back up the pitch. Players also pass by heading the ball, or use the technique simply to keep the opposing team from gaining possession.

Backheel

"Backheel" refers to kicking the ball with the back of your heel. It's a tricky, often unexpected move you can use to pass to your teammates or even to score a goal. A good backheel is guaranteed to entertain spectators.

Volleying

To volley means to kick the ball while it is in midair. Volleys can be used to pass, but are best employed for shooting on goal. Good volleys often catch the opposing team's defense off-guard and can result in spectacular goals, like French forward Zinedane Zidane's famous volley against Bayer Leverkeusen in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final. Volleying is not as easy as it looks and volleying with accuracy takes practice.

References

• Expert Football: Soccer Techniques and Skills