World Cup got you into a football fever? Want to try your luck at a new sport? Here are a few tips and tricks for beginners to get started in football!
1. Know the game
Football is a competitive team sport played between two teams of 11 players. Each team aims to score goals into
their respective goalposts at opposing ends of the football pitch, guarded by a goalkeeper. A game lasts 90 minutes
and is split into two halves of 45 minutes each, with a 15 minute half-time in between. Additional minutes may be
given at the end of the second half in cases of ties or for penalty shoots.
Of course, if you are a casual player wanting to enjoy the sport amongst friends, any area of flat ground with ample
space, and makeshift goalposts would do! Play for as short or as long as you desire, make up your own rules, and
most importantly, have fun!
2. Fitness first
Playing football involves sprinting at high speeds, turning and switching directions rapidly, and running long distances for extended periods of time. Stamina and physical strength is key to be on your A-game throughout the match and play better for your team. Lower body strength is needed for explosive sprints and quick footwork, while a strong core makes sharp turns easier and safer. Stronger arms and shoulders help in body checks and tackles.
To improve your fitness, try to incorporate strength and cardio-based workouts into your schedule. Doing
high-intensity interval training (HIIT), mid to long-distance runs for endurance and stamina, and weight training in the gym regularly would help build a stronger base for your body to perform better, and ultimately, enjoy the sport
more.
3. Ball work and ball movement
You will often hear terms like shooting, dribbling, trapping and control when playing football. If you are entirely new to the sport and have no idea what they mean, here’s a quick lowdown:
- Dribbling: To keep control of the ball while running. Click here to read on how to improve your dribbling skills!
- Tackling: To take the ball away from an opponent using your feet
- Shooting: To kick the ball with the aim of scoring a goal. Here are ways to improve your shooting skills, https://footballtraining.sg/blog/7-ways-to-improve-football-shooting-skills/
- Passing: To kick the ball towards your own teammate. Read this on ways to work on your passing skills.
- Trapping: Gaining possession of the ball when the ball is in the process of being passed or not under the
control of any player - Control: To be in possession of the ball
There are hundreds of other such terms used in football. Take your time to pick them up through reading, tutorial
videos, or playing with your peers.
Ball work is what you do with the ball when you have it, and ball movement is what you do when you don’t. Being
able to gain control of the ball on the pitch or from the feet of an opponent, knowing which teammate to pass to,
and having an idea of how to set up for a potential goal would be essential skills to learn and practice as you start
playing.
4. Teamwork and communication
As with any team-based sport, working together and communicating is crucial to playing a good game. Try to get out of your shell and learn to sound out, or even yell at your fellow teammates when you’re passing the ball to them, telling them the position you want them to receive your pass in, which opponent to mark, which passing lanes to cut
and who to avoid (Don’t worry, they will thank you for it!). As you progress and get better, you might even form
your own unique calls and commands within your team, and learn the specific terms that professional footballers use like high press, switch play and clear it.
Football is a social sport, and as such, talking, yelling and commanding is all part and parcel of the game. Be confident, be loud and be bold!
5. Learn from the legends
What got you into wanting to start playing football in the first place? Was it watching ‘The Flying Dutchman’ Van
Persie, Ibrahimovic’s bicycle kick, or the extraordinary career of Messi?
These legends are the cream of the crop in the football world, and they never fail to amaze us with their flair and
unique gameplay. Football is not just any sport, but one with much artistry and creativity in the techniques that can be used to score a goal. While you may just be starting out learning that you strike the ball with the area around your big toe’s knuckle for a standard shot, watching the very best showcase their talents may be a great way to stay motivated and continue learning when it gets tough. Countless compilation videos and commentaries on legendary moments in football history may help inspire you to go further. But, for a start, keep your training simple, digestible and specific to the base-level skills you first need to master.
Football is by far the most popular sport in the world with a claim to 3.5 billion fans worldwide. Use these tips and tricks, learn from the best, and always remember to have fun and make good memories playing! Allez!
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