How to Get Better at Soccer: 9 Steps to Leveling Up Your Game

Getting good at soccer is a journey; like all journeys, it has its ups, downs, triumphs, and challenges. No one is born knowing how to dribble, pass, or score the perfect goal.

Becoming a good soccer player is something you build with time, effort, and a lot of practice. Since you are a beginner trying to improve your game, this means finding the specific areas that need work and practicing intentionally, the road to improvement requires consistency and patience.

Let’s get into the practical steps to help you get better at soccer, no matter where you’re starting from.

Step 1: Get in Shape with Conditioning

Soccer is a physically demanding sport. With games lasting up to 90 minutes (or more), having the stamina to run, sprint, and play your best for the entire match is essential. This is where conditioning comes in.

Conditioning is all about building endurance and strength to help your body perform optimally. One great way to improve your conditioning is through interval training.

In soccer, interval training helps mimic the stop-start nature of the game: you might sprint hard for a few seconds, then jog, then sprint again.

Here’s a simple interval drill you can try:

1. Sprint from the goal line to the halfway line with 100% effort.
2. Jog the rest of the way to the opposite goal line with about 50% effort.
3. Repeat this pattern several times to build endurance.

Other excellent conditioning drills include shuttle runs, stair runs, and general endurance running. Conditioning your body can improve your resistance to injuries and speed up recovery, allowing you to perform at your best consistently.

Step 2: Master Ball Control with Cone Dribbling

Once you’ve got your stamina up, the next step is to get comfortable with the ball at your feet. Dribbling through cones is an easy but effective drill to practice ball control.

Cone Dribbling Drill:

1. Set up about five to eight cones, spaced roughly a yard apart.
2. Dribble the ball through the cones using small, controlled touches.
3. Practice using both your dominant and non-dominant feet.

This drill works on your footwork, agility, and concentration. By dribbling through cones, you’re also learning how to keep your head up, which is key in a real game when you need to be aware of your teammates and opponents.

As you get more comfortable, add some fake moves or changes of pace to your cone dribbling. Learning how to change direction or speed on the fly will make you harder to predict and defend against.

Step 3: Set Clear Goals

Setting goals is crucial for tracking your progress and staying motivated. Goals can be big, like making a specific team or scoring more goals, or they can be small, like improving your weaker foot.

How to Set Soccer Goals:

• Be Specific: Instead of just saying, “I want to be a better passer,” say, “I want to complete 20 accurate passes with my non-dominant foot every day.”
• Write Them Down: Writing down goals makes them feel more real. Plus, it gives you something to look back on to see how far you’ve come.
• Break Them Into Steps: Divide bigger goals into smaller steps so they feel more achievable. For example, if you want to make it into a particular team, start with steps like attending more practice, working on fitness, and improving your ball control.

Setting and regularly reviewing your goals will keep you on track and help you stay focused on your soccer journey.

Step 4: Become a Passing Pro

Passing is one of the most important skills in soccer because it’s the key to good teamwork. You can think of passing as the “glue” that keeps the team moving as a unit. Good passing is about precision, timing, and knowing when to release the ball.

Here’s a passing drill that’s simple but effective:

1. Find a wall or practice with a partner.
2. Stand about 10-15 feet away and aim to pass the ball to a specific spot.
3. After you pass, take one touch to control the ball and then pass again.

Remember that accuracy is more important than power. Soccer is about finding the balance between power and control. By becoming a better passer, you’re setting up yourself and your teammates for success.

SEE ALSO | Triangle Passing Drills In Soccer 

Step 5: Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities

No one gets it right every time. Making mistakes is a huge part of getting better.

Every time you mess up, whether it’s missing a pass, misjudging a shot, or getting beat in a one-on-one, you’re learning what not to do.

Mistakes give you the opportunity to:

• Slow down and analyze what happened.
• Adjust your technique or positioning.
• Refocus and try again.

Think of mistakes as mini-coaches. They help you learn what to improve next time and reveal areas where you need more practice.

Step 6: Practice Soccer Trapping

Trapping, or controlling the ball, is essential to keeping possession. You want to be able to receive passes without the ball bouncing away from you, giving you more control over the game.

How to Practice Trapping:

1. Start with the inside of your foot for a more controlled trap.
2. As the ball approaches, relax your foot to cushion the impact.
3. Focus on absorbing the ball’s momentum so it stays close to your feet.

Trapping well gives you more time and options, whether you’re looking to pass, dribble, or take a shot.

Step 7: Use a Wall for Solo Practice

One of the simplest and most accessible training partners is a wall. Practicing with a wall can improve your passing, trapping, and timing.

Wall Drill:

1. Stand around 15 feet from the wall.
2. Pass the ball against the wall and focus on controlling it with one touch.
3. Alternate between using your dominant and non-dominant foot.

The beauty of a wall is that it’s always there, always consistent, and it never tires. You can work on so many aspects of your game with just a ball and a wall.

SEE ALSO | 10 Best & Effective Soccer Drills For Kids [3-10 Olds]

Step 8: Work on 1-on-1 Defense

Good defense is about more than just tackling the ball away; it’s about reading the attacker, staying patient, and positioning yourself well.

1-on-1 Defense Tips:

• Positioning: Stay between the attacker and the goal.
• Jockeying: Use your body to force the attacker to the outside, away from the goal.
• Stay Low: Keep your knees bent and stay light on your feet.
• Be Patient: Don’t dive in for the ball unless you’re sure you can get it.

Practicing 1-on-1 defense not only helps you when you’re defending but also gives you insight into how attackers think, making you a better all-around player.

Step 9: Understand Your Position

In soccer, every player has a unique role based on their position. Some positions require more offensive skills, while others focus on defending. Knowing your position inside and out will help you understand your responsibilities and contribute to your team’s strategy.

Position Basics:

• Forwards: Focus on scoring and pressing the opposition’s defense.
• Midfielders: They’re the playmakers, often controlling the pace of the game.
• Defenders: Prevent the other team from scoring and provide support to midfielders and forwards.
• Goalkeeper: The last line of defense; they protect the goal.

Ask your coach to clarify any role specifics you’re unsure of. The better you understand your position, the better you’ll be at supporting your team.

SEE ALSO | What Skills Should a Girls U14 Soccer Goalie Have?

Daily Practice Checklist

Here’s a quick list of things you can do daily to improve your soccer game:

• Spend at least 15-20 minutes practicing your first touch.
• Do cone dribbling drills to work on ball control.
• Work on conditioning with interval runs.
• Use a wall for passing and trapping.
• Practice 1-on-1 defending with a teammate or coach.
• Take notes on your goals and progress.

By including these habits in your daily routine, you’ll see steady improvements over time. Soccer is a game that rewards consistency, and with a bit of patience, you’ll get closer to becoming the player you aspire to be.

Improvement in soccer doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process of strengthening your weaknesses, amplifying your strengths, and staying focused.