Soccer presents simple rules within a straightforward framework. You need to advance the ball without using your hands toward your opponent's goal, and kick or head the ball across the goal line. At its highest levels, all-stars manage moves with considerable flair and creativity, all built on a foundation of basic soccer skills.
Dribbling
The heart of soccer requires advancing the ball with gentle taps of the inside, outside or top of the foot. The gentle taps keep the ball near your feet, within your control, and allow you to shield the ball more readily against challenges or tackles by defenders. You can practice dribbling on your own by working with a ball and a level patch of ground, dribbling around trees, cones and plastic disks, working on control and experimenting with different touches.
Passing
Since no defender can run as fast as a passed ball, and a ball hog can become an easy target for a savvy defender, the pass becomes the preferred way to advance the ball for many coaches looking for strong team play. An ideal pass involves turning your foot so your toes point away from the axis of your body and using the inside of your shoe like a golf putter to send a straight, swift pass to your teammate. You can aim for your teammate's foot if you are a beginner. Work up to passing to open spaces away from defenders, following any cues from your teammate, such as pointing or an open palm directed to where she wants the pass.
Receiving Or Trapping
Players with "lead feet" may have trouble receiving or "trapping" the ball. If you present a stiff foot or ankle as the ball arrives at your feet, it will bounce unpredictably away, likely to a nearby defender. Turn your receiving foot open, as described above for passing, and yield slightly as the ball arrives to provide a soft cushion so the ball becomes cradled, slows and stops just where you want it. Alternatively you can trap the ball with a firmer motion so that it rebounds slightly in the direction you want to take off. Directed traps allow you to move quickly and confuse your opponent, key to successful soccer. You can trap a slow-moving ball and hold it with your foot on top of the ball.
Shooting
If you've moved close to the goal and gotten open on the weak side of the field, away from the side with the ball, you may be able to trap the ball and "pass" it into goal in a calm manner. Shots more typically come from a distance and require a powerful strike coming from underneath the ball with the instep or top of the shoe, after planting your non-shooting foot 6 inches to the side of the ball.
Defending
Coaches often note that defense win games in all sports, and soccer is no exception. Basic defending begins with positioning your body between the offensive player and the goal. Be prepared to run backwards or sideways to maintain a goal-side position to player with the ball and watch for opportunities to flick the ball with a toe or foot away from the opponent and to yourself or a teammate.
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