How long will it take for me to get better at soccer?

Question

So I tried out for soccer this year, and they needed players, so I was like 'oh what the heck' and I made JV (I'm a sophomore) but I'm pretty sure it was because they needed more players. And today was my first practice, and I was so not good hah. I don't really want to quit because I need to do something this fall since I won't be playing volleyball due to an injury I had that kept me from playing as well as I can, but I don't want to play if I totally suck...

Answer 1

What position in defense? Out wide or in the center? They are two very different ways to play.

Anyway, to tackle:

Always approach them at an angle, and then do something called 'jockeying', which is essentially getting right up close to them and trying to get them to mess up on the dribble or open a way for you to clear the ball away.

One thing you also want to do is make sure everyone on the pitch knows where everyone else is. Talk, yell, scream instructions at everybody. It might seem a bit weird at first, but its one important thing to learn.

Hopefully that will help, but I play center-forward so I'm more concerned with getting around the defenders, rather than helping :)

Oh, and go to: http://expertfootball.com/  for great skill and training help.  

Answer 2

You will always be getting better.  Just go out there and have fun.

Answer 3

Getting better at soccer isn't just an overnight thing. It takes practice and dedication.

As for tips on soccer it all depends WHICH defense position you play. Even though i am a Striker [[Forward]] my best friend plays defense.

Yes, although tripping is illegal, Slide-tackling is not. Its only illegal if you kick them accidentally, so make sure you get all ball.

If you don't know how to slide tackle... here. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sliding_tac...

Just remeber... cleats down

Hope this helps :]

Answer 4

okay, so as long as you play you will keep getting better, for instance you are better now than you were before practice etc etc

one thing about when you said you didn't have any time before the other team took it... try relocating it instead- take a light touch on it with the outside of your foot to get it away from the other team, than once it's under control you can pass it better.

other than that, I know what it feels like to be the worst player on your team and you know that everybody is aware of it too, but theres no other way to get better, when I was a junior I was the worst player on my team, but now I am a starter on the varsity team so it really just comes down to how much effort and time you want to put into it:) besides, it really shows something about your charactor when you stick with it and not give up even when you don't get much play time, or score any goals etc etc:)

Answer 5

Well, its just depends on who you are really,you have several factors to keep in mind

1. Are you playing cause you like it or just to play

2, if your a natural

3, have you ever played before

well, anyways i played defense for my team and got an award for best defensive player... you say when ever you stopped it they took it from you. this either means that you didnt have enough time to stop it or ur not so good with control

remember you dont always have to stop the ball, if ur clearing the ball hit it with the top of your foot. sometime you have to shoot without stopping it.

also as defense always keep your eye on the ball, but only if the person is right in front of you, other wise u should keep looking around.

remember to keep nearly on the tips of your toes, one foot in front of the other with your arms out a little to your sides.

Answer 6

You will get better in the long run, i know people laugh when this is said but it's true football is all about having fun. If your not enjoying yourself then you won't be giving it 100% to improve and be the best player you can be. I'm a defender and i had all the right characteristics to become a good defender but it was the knowledge of the pitch that shows how good you are. Practice and learn from the better players, don't be afraid to ask them for advice. You will learn your positioning and ways of marking etc in training from drills etc. Oh and don't be so hard on yourself everyone has good and bad days, everyones missed a ball and everyones committed fouls but if you show the coach you have confidence and that you have a knowledge of the game then they are sure to encourage you further.

Good luck :)

Answer 7

Do you like to play video games? Because If you do, I'd suggest you buy FIFA '08. It seriously improves your sense of positioning. It'll help you learn where a person playing your position should be at all times and let you know the best choices you can make.

     As a defender, your job is to make the lives of all attackers h**l. How? By learning how to mark. Basically u keep close to any attackers in your area and tackle them whenever they get the ball or try to intercept their passes.