So You Think You Know How to Play Soccer?

You may think that you know how to play soccer. You might have been playing for a while, and are really enjoying having a kick around with friends. But some people want to take this further, and play more often, or in proper organised games.

Here are 5 tips to help you as you learn how to play soccer.

1. As you play more, you will see in what areas you need to improve your fitness. It might be that you can't last 90 minutes, or that you get hustled off the ball too easily, or that you don't have enough speed to beat an opponent, then you can work on it. Also you will become more aware of the importance of your diet. In order to keep improving, and reap the benefits of your training, you'll want to make sure that you eat properly, and don't over indulge yourself.

2. If you can play with people who are better than you, then you will get better. As well as improving your skills on the ball, your awareness and positioning off the ball will improve too. You will learn which the right pass is, and where you need to be, in order to help out a team mate, or to strengthen the attack or defence. Perhaps you're a natural leader and can see what people should be doing. Would you make a good captain?

3. As your skills, fitness and awareness improve, you might want to take your playing more seriously, and thing about joining a team. This will mean that you're playing regularly, and have responsibilities and expectations. Being a player in the team will also give you access to football coaching, soccer drills, and an experienced soccer coach. All of this will help you to become even better.

4. As you continue to learn how to play soccer, you'll probably want to look at different coaching methods. What makes certain teams, countries or managers so successful? Why are some players so good at spotting a pass? What is it that makes some players stay injury free?

5. You're always learning how to play football. Every game you play, or match you watch, or interview you read, you'll learn something, and become a better player. Why not explore as many avenues as you can, and see what you can learn, and how you can be a better player, and important team member?

Now you know more about how to play soccer, have you got the dedication and desire to become a better player?