Soccer has been apart of my life since I was four. I grew up playing in the rec league, then moved to travel soccer and eventually Ohio Premiere League. Unfortunately I had to quit soccer in college in order to be able to run track. Soccer was a huge part of my life and I did play some intramural soccer. Let me tell you throughout my life I was constantly working on my game. Some times I would have good coaches that I learned a lot from and some times I would get a coach that had no idea what he was teaching. So, I had to do some learning on my own. To me soccer skills came to me pretty easily, I had always had 'sticky feet' and was able to move around well. The hardest part for me was working on my shot and setting up my shot. I could go around and through people but when it came to finishing and my first touch, wow I needed some work. I worked on it though, through honest hard work, it came to me eventually. Soccer, more than any other sport is a combination of so many things, and expecting to learn it all from just a few people is naive.

In Soccer, control of the ball is of great importance skills to every level and any type of player. The ability to control an awkward bouncing ball quickly and effectively gives the player with the ball the immediate advantage. This called "First touch" and is often the critical difference between success and failure in most situations during the match.
As players get older, the game gets faster, and demands more speed. At this level, there is a greater need for first-time passes and a precise first touch on the ball. Often, players cannot always play a first-time ball; therefore, they must trap the ball, or may have to dribble if no teammates are in position to receive a first-time pass. Time and space go hand-in-hand in soccer. The less time a player takes to do something, the more time they will have to take advantage of it. Typically when controlling a ball, a player will do one of three things after controlling the ball: shield the ball by putting their body between the ball and the opponent, pass (or shoot) the ball; or they will dribble the ball. The space and time they have to do these things will depend on how good the player’s first touch is when receiving the ball.
Players MUST develop a feel for the ball. it's means touch, and a fine touch requires a player to be comfortable touching the ball with all parts of the foot. Players must practice controlling balls on the ground as well as balls out of the air. Remember, that good control is the ability to take the ball with one touch in such a way that you can play the ball with your next movement without having to chase or reach for it. The ability to control the ball with the feet is a basic element of soccer. A good touch is very instinctive to some players, but harder for others.


To learn more about playing football please visit http://soccerboots.blogspot.com. You can find more about football training and playing tips.

This Link is for coaches and players. There's some awesome drills and coaching strategies here.
Soccer Drills

This is a fitness program for soccer players, designed specifically for the jogging and sprinting of soccer.
Total Soccer Fitness

Downloadable soccer drills (380) and practice plans (50)
Drills and Practice plans

This is a secret plan. You'll have to check it out for yourself, I recommend checking it out and doing your own reading up on this one, it does have a lot of potential.
Soccer number 10

I know how everyone gets excited for big soccer matches. Man U. vs. Arsenal, Real Madrid vs. Barcelona, AC Milan vs. Inter. etc...You get the point, these big matches are fun to watch and you pick a side to chear for and hope your team wins. Well, have you ever wondered while you're watching these matches, how do they do that!? How does Wayne Roooney have such a good touch and shot? How can Thierry Henry get open so well? How does Christiano Ronaldo do that move!? Well, these are questions that many of us have asked before, how do they do that? Let me tell you, I'm not saying any of use will ever be that good, or any of us can have their skill. But, what I am saying is that with practice and honest work, everyone can make their skills better. Everyone can get a better touch, shot, moves, etc. It just comes with repetition, and techniques that professionals can show you. Coaches, trained professionals can show you ways, positioning, and timing to make all of your all around game better. How cool would that be to make that amazing play in the game?