In this part you will learn many fundamental facts that you need to know. My advice is to print out all facts on this page and have them as checklist before every practice or game.

Now let’s start to look at the facts you need to know…

• Did you know that the power of your soccer shot is not determined by your muscles? Instead, having good technique is the most important thing.
• By keeping your body relaxed, it will be easier to receive the ball.
• Being a master on free styling will not necessary increase your performance on the field.
• Soccer is about 90 % thinking and 10 % physical.
• By heading a ball you will not cause yourself any head injuries.
• You need to know what to do with the ball before you receive it.
• Learning how to kick the ball by using your both feet may increase your performance by 50 %.
• During a soccer game you will generally have the ball at your feet about 2 minutes.
• Never discuss with a referee whether his decisions are right or wrong. You will only get yourself a yellow or in worst case a red card.
• The price of your shoes will not determine your performance on the field.
• Using your arms properly while running will increase your speed.
• Arguing with your teammates will decrease your performance.
• The position of your non-kicking leg will determine the direction of the ball.
• Being nervous about a soccer game is energy consuming and may decrease your performance.
• Playing soccer with older people will increase your overall soccer skills.
• You need to sleep at least 8 hours in order to recover properly.
• Carbohydrates is your most important food while playing soccer.
• If you want to be a dribbling master you will need to perform your moves without looking at the ball.
• The most important thing with your shoot is accuracy (not power).
• Striking a ball with your forehead will not cause you any pain.
• It is easier to perform difficult dribbling moves while having your knees slightly bent.
• Juggling is a great way for improving your overall soccer skills.
• It is easier to get around your opponent if you let him hug for the ball first.
• It is much more easier to cushion a ball if you keep your body relaxed.
• While defending, don’t keep your focus on the ball too much. Instead, monitor the movement of your opponent and don’t let him receive the ball and do something useful with it.
• You should never dribble while playing as the last man in defense.
• You will often receive a yellow card if you start to argue with the referee about his decisions on the field.
• You may even receive a yellow or even a red card while you are sitting on the bench as substitute.
• Without proper nutrition your performance on the field will be pretty poor.
• It is a good practice to always try out a move during your practice before executing it in a real game.
• Don’t rush at your opponents while playing in defense, instead, keep yourself calm and let them make the first move.
• It is always better to pass the ball to a teammate then trying to dribble two or more opponents.
• Learning how to play in several different soccer tactics will help you improve your overall skills.

Summary

In this part you have learned many important facts that you need to know as soccer player. But facts mentioned in this part are just a small part of what you need to know as soccer player.

I would therefore recommend you to read further and explore this website more in order to increase your soccer knowledge.