Attacking

To be able to attack the opposition, you must learn to dribble with pace or learn to develop the skills to out manoeuvre your marker. You won't always be able to beat an opponent with speed and acceleration so you will need to learn a trick or two to beat them.

Body Feint
To throw the defender off balance you can use a technique know as a body feint. Attack the defender at speed, then at about 1 metre from him/her, feint to the left or right, swaying your body, then knock the ball in the opposite direction to the feint and sprint pass them. Another technique to this same feint is to approach the defender then swing either foot over the ball, at a sprint, then knock the ball in the opposite direction.

Faced with a one on one with the goalkeeper, there are a number of ways to approach. The keeper will try to stand on his/her feet as long as possible without committing themselves. A quick early shot may catch him by surprise before he finds the right position. If he is off his line, you can attempt to chip the ball over his head, but you need confidence and accuracy. Fool him into thinking you are going to shoot early with a body feint (sell him a dummy) and commit him to dive,
then roll the ball across in front of him for the other corner of the goal. To deploy any of these techniques, you will need composure, accuracy, ball control and above all...quick thinking.

Ball Control

Ball control is the most important technique for all aspiring young football stars to master if they wish to become great. The idea is to get the ball under control at your feet as quickly as possible.

Control is linked closely to the teaching of responsibility to the team and teammates. It is a part of a broader process. This responsibility is taught with non-game items as well, things like bringing proper gear & water to practice, attendance, punctuality, treatment of teammates and paying attention.

Control on the field begins and ends off of the game day pitch. It is the element that we coaches can teach that lasts well past their time with us. Start to incorporate ball control into the game at an early age.

As the players are mentally ready to take on new responsibilities, give them. It's never too early to start. But start very simply and build from there. Good control of the ball is vital. Many parts of the body may be used, from the chest, thigh, calf... down to the different parts of the foot.

The higher up the body you receive the ball, the harder it is to control. Youngsters often complain when having to use the chest for control, but with a little practice, if done properly, it won't hurt. Start by bouncing the ball off the chest to get the feel of it. If you bend forward as the ball hits you, you will be able to guide the ball down to your feet.

It is very important to make a cushioning effect when you receive the ball. The ball may arrive at any height and at any speed, you must learn how to control it with any part of your body. Receive and turn with the ball so that you are facing away from the passer. It's a skill which should be done in one smooth motion.

Watch professionals (especially Brazil) and you'll see players do it almost all the time. Foot control skills in soccer include the first touch and close control using the inside, outside, top and bottom of the foot. A skillful first touch gives a player time and space in which to move with the ball or find the best pass. Players who let the ball run away from them are always under pressure, because they allow time for opponents to close them down, or even lose the ball completely.

Control with the foot when receiving the ball requires a soft touch in which the foot is withdrawn or 'gives' on contact. The amount of 'give' depends on how quickly the ball is coming. Players should move to the ball, not wait for it to come to them, get into position early, and watch the ball carefully. The inside of the foot is the safest technique for receiving the ball. It is a safe method that allows the ball to be taken on the move, whereas the old fashioned method of trapping the ball with the sole (underneath) of the foot involves stopping the ball dead. Receiving the ball with the top of the foot and outside of the foot are more difficult skills, but the principles of relaxing and withdrawing the foot on impact are the same.

Defending

Defenders need to know the following:

• How to cope with an attacker approaching with the ball.
• How to match speed and direction in the open field.
• How to 'shepherd' an attacker.
• How to delay and be patient while waiting for the attacker to make a mistake and/or waiting for defensive support.
• How and when to close down and how to get back in support if and when they are beaten.
• When and which player to let go if necessary when outnumbered.
• How to support and play as a second defender and third defender.
• How to transition quickly back and forth between offense and defense.

The art of defending is to guess correctly what the opposition is going to do. Do you rush in and beat him to the ball? Or do you lay off and bide your time? These decisions come with experience, but if you stay firmly on your feet, as long as is needed you will have the upper hand at defending your goal. The attacker will want you to commit yourself, then he will have the advantage of choosing which direction to go.

A good defender will stand his ground until the attacker has committed himself, then is the time to make the tackle. The block tackle technique is an essential skill, because any team must be able to win the ball. If you cannot tackle you are left relying on intercepting passes when your opponents make a mistake. Tackling allows you to compete for the ball, and take the initiative.

Beginners should start with the block tackle before learning the sliding tackle. The block tackle starts by planting the non-tackling foot firmly on the ground to provide a firm anchor. The inside of the foot is used for tackling, not the toe, and it's important to put the full weight of the body behind the football, and to get the head down over the ball. As with any tackling skill, timing is crucial. Try to tackle when your opponent is off balance, or lets the football go too far in front of him. This is often called 'showing too much of the ball'. Another good time to tackle is when your opponent looks down at the ball.

The sliding tackle or recovery tackle is an essential soccer skill requiring timing and technique. It's not just defenders who need to be able to tackle. Even forwards should be able to make a sliding tackle. The football team that can tackle well can take much of the initiative away from the opposition, denying them space, and putting them under pressure. It's best to tackle with the foot that is furthest from the ball. This gives you extra reach, and reduces the chances of giving away a foul. The sliding tackle is best made from a square position with your leg going out to the side rather than straight in front of you.

Timing is vital, and takes plenty of exercise to get right. The key factors for any player are to watch the ball carefully, try to anticipate your opponents move without being distracted, and to always go for the ball. If you get a foot on the ball first, there is no foul, but if you miss the ball, you will give away a free kick or be "left for dead".

A drill for the recovery tackle is for one player, acting as winger to run with the ball down a narrow "corridor" towards the touchline. He is given a head start over the defender, who chases after him, and tries to make a sliding tackle putting the ball into touch. The winger must try to reach the touchline without being tackled.

Here is another session to practice at. Pair the kids up on the goal line, each pair with a ball. First emphasize the role and position of the defender. He closes on the attacker, composes himself, and gets in a defensive stance: on the balls of his feet, knees bent, side on so you don't get nutmegged. Let them know that you understand they really want to steal the ball right away. But, and this is a big but, that's not their primary job. Their first job is to put pressure on the attacker, keep the attacker's head down, and prevent them from moving towards the goal. Repeat this so they understand you don't want them diving in and stabbing at the ball right away. You just want pressure. OK. Now, have each attacker run slowly without a ball towards the midline, making zig-zagging movements. Have the defender reverse follow them, staying between the attacker and the midline. When the attacker changes direction, the defender changes direction. When they reach the midline, have them reverse attacker/defender roles and go in the opposite direction.

Now, do the same thing, but this time the attacker has a ball dribbling slowly in a zig-zag fashion. Emphasize defensive patience...they don't want to steal the ball, just stay between the ball and the goal line. They should let the attacker dribble, but make them go side to side, not right at the goal. Then, teach tackling the ball. It's not kicking at the ball so much as stopping the ball with the heel on the ground as the player tries to pass you. Now, move onto a 1eve1 game on a small field. Split the team in half, with two lines on opposite corners of the field. Coach serves the ball, and the first two players enter the field and play 1v1 until it goes out of bounds or a goal is scored. Serve the ball to the feet of one of the players, and emphasize what you are looking for... the defender should close on the attacker quickly and apply pressure. They should tackle when the opportunity arises. Then, introduce the cover role. Show them, and then ask them to practice in 3v2 games.

Dribbling

There is nothing more exciting in football than to see a player running with the ball at his feet, unless you are a defender that is. From an attackers point of view, dribbling is an art you must learn. When running with the ball it is best to keep the ball no more than 30 to 40 cm in front of you allowing you full control. You can manipulate the ball using either the inside,
instep or even the sole of your boot. It is important to be able to dribble with the ball while looking up around you. You need to spot the defender coming in to tackle, or your team mate waiting for a pass.When running, keep your body slightly arched forward and your arms out to protect the ball from opposition.

Balance is a vital part of football, allowing you to change direction with one quick turn. Faced with a one against one situation, you have the advantage if you can throw the opposition off balance. This is where feinting plays its part. Dip your shoulder then change direction then you can accelerate away towards goal.

The body swerve is a close control, dribbling skill used for running at and beating defenders, and creating space to shoot or pass the ball. The aim of the body swerve is to dummy the defender into moving the wrong way. In the game of soccer the body swerve is one of the most effective dribbling tricks. The body swerve builds upon basic turning skills, and coaches should make sure that young players are able to turn with the ball under close control to the left and right.

With the ball on your right foot, dip your left shoulder, and start to transfer your body weight as if you are going to the left. However, instead of turning to the left, quickly lean to the right transferring your weight to the right, and use your left foot as a springboard to accelerate away to the right. Acceleration is of great importance when dribbling, and trying to beat opponents. Speed is important, but it is often sudden changes in speed that beats the defender. The movement is in reverse with your left foot. First dip your right shoulder, and transfer your weight to your right side. Then move your foot to the outside of the ball, transfer your weight to the left and accelerate away on your left.

Training drills for the body swerve include one-against-one exercises in front of goal. The object need not always be to go past the defender, but could be just to make space to shoot, remembering to dip the shoulder. A simple individual exercise is to build an obstacle course with cones or other markers placed at varying distances apart, and at different angles to each other. The object is to run with the ball as quickly as possible from cone to cone, but coming to a complete stop at each cone. This simple soccer drill teaches close control, running, accelerating, and stopping with the football.

Freekicks

Dead ball situations have become a big part of football, especially since the introduction of certain rules. And none so important than the direct free kick in front of the goal. As we have all seen, it takes great technique to be able to get the ball up and over or around the defending wall with sufficient pace to beat the goalkeeper. The key to where best to place the ball is governed by the goalies position. Look at where the goalkeeper is standing before you decide where you are going to aim the ball. To achieve swerve and pace, approach the ball at an angle and cut across the side of the ball with the instep of your boot. If you need height, lean back slightly and try to bend the ball around and over the last defender in the wall. For power or to keep the ball low you must lean slightly forward and over the ball.

If the freekick is slightly right of the goal, the freekick is better taken by a left footed player and vice versa if the kick is to the left of the goal. This will enable them to bend the ball around better and into the corner, where the 'keeper doesn't like it. You must be prepared for the defender who will jump as you kick, maybe you might keep the shot low to deceive him! For indirect free kicks, set up a short pass if you intend having a shot at goal. Again, be prepared for the closing down of your shot by the nearest defender. Many hours are set aside in professional training, devoted to dead ball situations. As with many things... practise makes perfect.

Goalkeeping

The four main qualities of a good goalkeeper are bravery, agility, good judgement and a safe pair of hands. Good postioning is essential for any goalie. He must be aware of where the ball is at all times. The goalkeeper must be in control of his own goalmouth at all times.

He being the player with the best view of open play must take advantage and shepherd his team mates into formation. We all know what can happen if you take your eye off the ball for a second or two... just ask Neil Sullivan! You have to be agile to get across the goalmouth at a moments notice. Get as much of yourself behind the ball as you can. For high crosses, it is essential to meet the ball at its highest point, before the attacker has his chance. Use your wrist to flick and twist the ball to safety. Know how to shape your hands when stopping a shot. Form a 'W' shape, thumbs meeting at their ends, fingers outstretched, not leaving any room for the ball to squeeze through. Keep feet about a shoulders width apart, taking small quick steps rather than long overstretching ones.

When gathering the ball, either from a cross or a shot on goal, always be quick to get both hands onto the ball.
With the new back pass rule, goalkeepers have had to adapt from picking the ball up, and have learnt to become
an important part of their teams attack! With quick distribution upfield, he can turn an attack from one end of the field to the other. The goalkeeper must spend hours developing and perfecting their kicks, either from dead ball situations or open play. An accurate, quickly taken throw from open play will have the oppostion on the back foot, putting team mates at an advantage.

Heading

Keep your eyes on the ball. A common failure amongst young players is that they close their eyes at the moment they are heading the ball. This is a natural reaction. If someone hurls something at your face you tend to flinch and close your eyes.
To become competent at heading a football, you must fix both eyes on the ball and meet it with your forehead.

Here are some good exercises to practise heading:
Throw the ball lightly into the air and get used to the feel of it. Then throw it further into the air and try to head it further forward. When you are comfortable with this, find a partner and practise heading to each other. Gradually extend the distance until you are 3 to 5 metres apart.

Winning balls in the air.
A simple drill; 1 attacker vs 1 defender Start out simple, attacker just stands in front of defender, throw the ball up, defender has to get up to head the ball - take turns. Once they get the hang of this, attacker just stands still but now defender has to run to get to attacker, jump up and head the ball.

By now hopefully they are a bit more comfortable with some contact, now it is time to increase the contact. Have them running side by side, shoulder to shoulder, a little bump here and there. When the ball gets thrown up into the air they automatically use their shoulder to get into position and jump up to head the ball.

Then have them running one in front, one behind, both of them trying to get in position to head the ball, once it is thrown up into the air, in an effort to increase the physical part. Once they get comfortable doing this, you'll find the 'fear' of getting up to head the ball at the same time as an opponent a lot less ...that is if you think 'fear' has something to do with it?

Defensive header techniques in soccer enable a player to direct the ball upwards in such situations as clearing the football from defense. The key to this skill is to start with the forehead underneath the ball, so that the head can move upwards to attack the ball. During training sessions, this point needs to be emphasised by coaches. The secret to heading upwards is that your eyes remain below the ball, so that at the moment your forehead makes contact with the ball, your head is moving upwards. Use your legs to push yourself upwards just before heading the ball as this helps to obtain good distance.

A useful and fun game for beginners and more experienced players is heading the football over a volleyball net. Since the ball has to be directed upwards to clear the net, it's particularly good for the defensive heading. It's also a great way for players to learn control and direction.

Attacking header techniques are football skills for directing the ball downwards to score goals, and win the ball in the air. The key to the attacking header is to get the eyes over the ball, so that you are attacking the ball from above. The attacking header requires getting the forehead and eyes over the ball, so that the ball can be attacked from above.

Beginners often have trouble timing the header, and end up hitting the nose or the top of the head, so coaches should start young children with a soft ball. Obviously, it's important to watch the football carefully! Balance is another point to watch, and beginners should try to get their feet into position early, so that they are behind the ball.

Better players should work on meeting crosses on the move, so that their momentum helps to add power to the header, and to avoid being caught static by defenders. Several factors help to obtain power in the attacking header. The shoulders can pushed forwards and the back arched before attacking the ball. The upper body should be kept in a straight line, not falling away to the side, and much of the power comes from the neck muscles.

It's very important to be positive. A simple training drill in which the ball is thrown against a wall, and headed below the line. Numbered circular targets can also be made.

The diving header technique gives a football player that extra edge and versatility to get to the ball first, and to get a head on crosses that otherwise would be missed. This is particularly true at the near post where the attacker is trying to get in front of the defender. It's a great soccer skill to perfect. The diving header requires getting both feet off the ground, and a jump towards the football. You should be almost horizontal as you head the ball, using your forehead as always. Generally, take off is from only one foot, because the diving header is usually attempted on the run. Most players find the dive the most difficult part of this technique. If you are having problems, practise the dive first without the ball. Put a low hurdle down, such as a large bag, or even a player crouched down if you can find a volunteer! Jump over the hurdle without hesitating. Then try the same thing with a partner serving the ball, so that you have to jump over the hurdle to head the ball.

Injuries

One of the most common causes of injury in the amateur game is not warming-up before the start of a match or training session. A proper warm-up prepares the body for exercise, warms the muscles, and enables the body to cope better with the strains of knocks and sudden movements that cause injuries.

Five steps for reducing the risk of injury:
•Keep warm.
•Always wear shin pads.
•Don’t aggravate an injury by playing when you haven't fully recovered.
•Get match fit before the start of the season.
•Make sure that your team has an equipped first aid box.

Minor injuries include bruising, cuts, muscle cramps and stiffness. Bruising, unless severe, can be treated with an ice pack.
Minor cuts can be treated simply by washing the wound, but if the cut is deep, stitches could be required. The best treatment for muscle cramp is to immediately stretch the muscle, and drink water and salt. For stiffness, a soak in the bath and some creams for muscular aches are useful. Hamstring injuries include tears and strains. Strains could heal in days, but tears can take months. Rest is very important, as is not aggravating the injury by playing football until the hamstring is healed.

Graduated exercises are usually recommended to speed the recovery process. The Achilles Tendon attaches the heel to the calf muscle. There are three common sports injuries to the Achilles: strain, tendonitis and rupture. In all cases rest is important, and ice can be used to reduce swelling when the injury occurs. Strain usually heals within days, but rupture might require surgery, and could end a playing career.

With ankle injuries, it is important to reduce the swelling as much as possible, and to maintain the mobility of the joint.
Exercise to strengthen the muscles around the ankle, and ankle supports are often useful.

Knee injuries can be severe, and could require surgery. Twisting the knee can tear the cartilage in the knee joint,
requiring surgery. The ligaments can be torn or strained, and rest is required. In some cases, plaster or surgery might be required, and the healing process can take from weeks to months.

Passing

Learning to pass the ball is fairly easy. But what to do before receiving and after passing the ball is a different matter. The best players think one step ahead. Before you even receive the ball you should be thinking about what you are going to do with it. An effective way of moving through the field is the wall pass. Pick out an unmarked team mate and pass to him, then move into space to receive the ball back.

Knowing which part of the foot to use can help to determine when and how to play the pass. For good accuracy, the inside of the foot should be used. This part of the foot has the largest area for which to control the pass. Place the non kicking foot alongside the ball pointing towards where you want the ball to go, then bring the other foot into contact with a smooth flowing action. For greater power or distance, the instep, (the laces) should be used. As with the side foot, bring the instep into contact, leaning slightly over the ball for balance and direction.

Once you have mastered these techniques, you can work on making the ball do what you want it to do! Learn to chip the ball. Being able to pass above the opposition's head is an important technique to learn. Swerve the ball into the path of a forward running team mate, curl the ball across from a corner kick. You should always be on the move and constantly changing positions with your team mates so as to lose your marker and find plenty of space to receive the ball.

Throw-in technique and tactics is one of the more neglected skills of the game of football. With the correct technique, effective training drills and some tactical awareness, a team can make much better use of opportunities during a game. The throw-in technique starts by gripping the ball firmly, but comfortably. The ball is brought back over the head, and the back is arched. Using the full extent of the arms, and the power of the back and shoulders the ball is released in front of the head. The feet position is a matter of personal preference with some player standing square and others placing one foot in front of the other. The final ingredient is to add a short run to generate rhythm and momentum.

Tactics at the throw-in in soccer depend on where on the pitch the throw is being taken from. In the attacking third of the pitch, the objective is to get the ball into the penalty area as soon as possible either by a direct throw, or by creating an opening for a cross. In the middle third, the tactic should be to make forward runs. In the defensive third, the team
must play safe, and try to create space to clear the ball away from danger.

Useful tactics for creating space are overlapping runs, sudden changes of direction and decoy runs. In an overlapping run, players run towards each other overlapping in the middle. A decoy run could take a marker away from the player, you would like to throw to.