As we always say at Techne, the better you get at soccer the more fun the game becomes! But what are the most important skills to practice and master? You should always be training your footwork and requires such a balance of skill, agility, speed, and tactical understanding, it’s hard to know where to start if you want to improve your game. There are 6 techniques that every soccer player needs to master to excel in the game. These are skills that top players never stop practicing either. So regardless of your level, here’s your soccer training blueprint for success:
1. Dribbling With The Sole
Dribbling is the most fundamental technique in soccer. It involves controlling the ball while running, using quick footwork and changes of direction to avoid defenders. A good dribbler can create space, beat defenders, and create scoring opportunities for themselves or their teammates. To become a great dribbler, you must practice constantly, improving your touch, balance, and coordination. An important technique for maximal ball control is to stop or change the direction of the ball with the sole of your foot.
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2. Inside-Of-The-Foot Pass
Passing is the backbone of soccer. It involves using both feet to deliver accurate and timely passes to your teammates. A good passer can create openings in the opposing team's defense and set up scoring opportunities for their team. To become a great passer, you must practice different types of passes, including short and long-range passes, ground and aerial passes, and one-touch passes. You should also work on your communication skills, as good passing requires good teamwork and coordination. The inside-of-the-foot pass is the most accurate technique to pass the ball, and you cannot practice it enough!
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3. Laces Drive Shot
Shooting is the ultimate objective in soccer. It involves kicking the ball towards the goal with accuracy and power, with the aim of scoring a goal. A good shooter can convert scoring opportunities and turn the game in their team's favor. To become a great shooter, you must practice your shooting technique, including your footwork, body positioning, and ball-striking power. You should also work on your decision-making skills, as choosing the right moment to shoot can make all the difference in the game. If you want to shoot the ball hard, the best technique to use is the laces drive shot. This is the most common way to strike the ball for power.
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4. Heading
Heading is an essential skill in soccer, particularly in the penalty area. It involves using your head to control and direct the ball, either towards the goal or to a teammate. A good header can score goals, defend against corner kicks, and clear the ball from dangerous areas. To become a great header, you must practice your timing, positioning, and jumping ability. You should also work on your accuracy and power, as the harder and more precise your header, the more likely it is to result in a goal or good defensive clearance. Like any skill, heading the ball properly and safely requires great technique.
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5. Directional First Touch
In soccer, the first touch is often the most crucial touch a player can make. It sets up the subsequent action, whether it is a pass, a shot, or a dribble. A directional first touch is a technique that involves controlling the ball with the first touch in a specific direction, usually towards open space or away from a defender. It is a crucial skill for players to master as it can create scoring opportunities, break through a defense, and provide a player with time and space to make the next move. A directional first touch requires excellent control, coordination, and vision, and can be the difference between a successful attack and a lost opportunity.
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6. Aerial Control Touch
One of the most difficult and important skills in soccer is to control the ball when it's in the air. This crucial skill allows players to bring down long balls, win possession, and create scoring opportunities. An excellent aerial control touch requires good timing, balance, coordination, and judgment. A well-executed aerial control touch can relieve pressure, and create time and space to make the next move. There are many different ways to practice bringing the ball out of the air and under control on the ground.
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Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, these techniques are the building blocks of the game and can help you achieve your goals and reach your full potential. The Techne App has new training sessions every week that focus on these core functional skills. The work you do on your own to learn and refine these skills will certainly pay off over time!
