Your first game of soccer may seem baffling. Where to stand, what to do with the ball and how to stay involved if the ball is on the other side of the field may seem like puzzles without a clue. Give yourself time to figure out how to handle the ball and the best decisions to help your team. You'll soon be able to contribute to your team's effort.
Step 1
Take the position indicated by the coach or manager. If you are a defender or fullback, you line up in the back row, in front of the goalkeeper. If you end up assigned to the midfield, line up in the middle row. If you are a forward or striker, line up in the front row. Take the left or right side or center.
Step 2
Dribble the ball by tapping it gently and keeping it close to your feet. Shield the ball with your body, lowering your shoulders, to keep defenders away from it. Watch where you are going; hold your head up, looking for good passes or a space to run into, according to "Play Soccer Like a Pro: Key Skills and Tips."
Step 3
Move past a defender by confusing him. Maintain eye contact and drop one shoulder to pretend you are going one way. When the defender commits, tap the ball the opposite way and accelerate toward the goal.
Step 4
Pass the ball by pushing with the inside of the foot to roll it smoothly on the ground to the foot of a teammate or to a space where she can run to. Trap the ball, which means to stop it when it arrives from a teammate, by placing your foot down sideways to cushion and stop it with a gentle touch on arrival.
Step 5
Run into the correct position, depending on the flow of the game. In soccer, this is called off-the-ball movement. If the player in front of you, behind you or on your immediate left or right has the ball, "show" for it, according to Youth Soccer Skills, by running to an open space and call firmly for the ball. Even if the ball is far away, stay in the game by running to a spot where you can receive the ball within two or three passes.
Step 6
Defend by steering the attacking player to the sideline and slowing her forward progress toward the goal. If you are the second-closest defender, mark the player closest to you but shade over to provide support, according to "Soccer Calling: A Handbook For Youth Soccer Coaches." If you are the third-closest defender, stay alert and prepare to run into a spot to intercept the ball.
Step 7
Master the offsides rule by delaying your runs past the final defender toward the goal until your teammate passes the ball. Run onto the ball after it leaves the foot of your teammate. Wait for the pass, being careful to stay behind the defense, which often will be in a disciplined line of three or four players strung across the field parallel to the end line.
Tips and Warnings
- Wear cleats, turf shoes or indoor shoes, depending on the field surface. Bring bottled water, shin guards and numbered light and dark shirts to comply with league rules.
- Pass calmly, patiently and with control whenever possible. Don't clear the ball nervously unless you are under intense pressure.
Things You'll Need
- Soccer cleats
- Turf or indoor shoes
- Bottled water
- Shin guards
- Numbered jersey
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