Improving your play on the soccer field does not happen by chance. You have to improve your skill level, improve your cardiovascular conditioning and make sure you get plenty of opportunities to practice. By watching great players play the game and trying to apply the lessons you've learned to your own game, you can become a much improved soccer player.
Dribbling Skills
Set up five cones outside the penalty area. Start 10 yards outside the cones and start dribbling the ball. Go to the right of the first cone, the left of the second cone, the right of the third cone and continue in that manner. When you get past the last cone, cut into the penalty area. Make a pass to the top of the penalty area to a waiting teammate. Then go back and start the drill again. When you get past the last cone, dribble into the penalty area and take a shot on goal. Do this five times at each practice session.
Sprinting Drill
Start off on one side of the field near the penalty area. Sprint from the sideline to the start of the penalty area and back to the sideline. Go from the sideline to the center of the penalty area and sprint back and then from the sideline to the end of the penalty area and back. Do this twice at the start of practice and twice at the end to work on your cardiovascular conditioning.
Shooting Accuracy
An accurate shot is more difficult to defend than a powerful shot, according to international soccer star David Beckham. A player who can hit the corners is a consistent threat to score goals. Place two cones in the lower left corner of the goal and two more of the lower right corner of the goal. Put a large towel in the upper left corner and another one in the upper right corner. Stand at the penalty kick line and try to hit all four targets. Take five shots at each target and record your accuracy. You should improve over a two-week period. Do this every day in practice.
