Relatively new to playing

[Strieder]

Been wanting to play for the past 3ish years or so, but have only really messed around, worked on passing, etc. Recently found a nice local pick-up group and I've played with them twice, and will continue for the rest of the summer.

What are some things I can do on my own to work on my touch, dribbling, etc? The only thing Im pretty decent at is push passing.

Thanks!

[bigredfutbol]

Been wanting to play for the past 3ish years or so, but have only really messed around, worked on passing, etc. Recently found a nice local pick-up group and I've played with them twice, and will continue for the rest of the summer.

What are some things I can do on my own to work on my touch, dribbling, etc? The only thing Im pretty decent at is push passing.

Thanks!

How old are you? I ask because I didn't start playing until my late 30s, so what with work, grad school, and family I didn't have oodles of free time to work on my pathetic skills.

Still, in my experience, the main thing to remember is that every touch helps. Kick a ball off a wall, or dribble around the yard, whatever.

Pick-up games are great, because there isn't much pressure tactically speaking. And generally people are more laid-back in their play, which gives you more time on the ball.

Every time you play, try to do something you haven't done before. I shied away from taking people on 1v1 since I'm such an amateur (and not particularly athletic, either), but finally I realized I've got nothing to lose. So I always try, at least once per game, to "go for it".

Mostly--keep playing, and enjoy!

[Strieder]

I'm 21. This summer is pretty much free for me, so I'm going to be spending it getting better at playing, and relaxing :P Definitely will head out to a wall I found recently and work on touch/passing...and the pick-up group just decided on playing 2 days a week, so that should help a ton.

I'm so glad to finally be playing...been wanting to for so long, but have never had a group of people and such. So much fun.

[arsenalfc08]

I'm 21. This summer is pretty much free for me, so I'm going to be spending it getting better at playing, and relaxing :P Definitely will head out to a wall I found recently and work on touch/passing...and the pick-up group just decided on playing 2 days a week, so that should help a ton.

I'm so glad to finally be playing...been wanting to for so long, but have never had a group of people and such. So much fun.

You and I are very similar. I'm around the same age (19) and like you have lots of free time this summer. I've always wanted to play but never did anything about it. I thought about trying out for my high school team but I always thought "these girls have been playing forever, I wouldn't last". So instead I would just practice on my own in my backyard just for fun.

I found out about an adult coed league in my town and immediatly signed up. Everyone on my team is older than me (30s and so) but it doesn't matter, everyone is so nice and encouraging. It's so much fun. We practice once a week together and I practice on my own everday, its great to finally know that all my practicing is going towards something lol.

I would suggest to start with the basics. If you have a wall shoot and pass against it to work on recieving the ball and accuracy. If you don't have a wall don't worry you can improvise like I did. I use a small wooden side table that sat on my patio, it works.

Work on shooting, make sure to keep your ankle locked and shoot with your laces, this will give the shot power. It's best if you try and position your kicking foot at a 45 degree angle. Sorry if this sounds confusing. It's also good to try kicking with both feet. I'm right footed so trying to kick with my left is very akward but it passes with time. There is no power behind my left foot but I have scored with it before.

Juggling is great for touch. I juggle every day for 20-30 minutes, my record is very low 16, but everyday I try and beat it. It may be hard in the beginning but keep practicing. You can also throw the ball up in the air and try and control it with different parts of your foot (try and do this with both feet, remember soft touch). I also saw this on a movie, a dad would toss an egg in the air and the kid would have to cradle it on their foot, to practice soft touches, but with the price of food it may not be the best time lol.

The pick up games will really help and twice a week is good, the rest of the time work on your skills.

In addition to the pick up games see if theres an adult league in your area. Also if your in college look for an inturmeural (spelling) leaguge.

[Kevin8833]

Juggle, knock the ball against the wall kicking and trapping with both feet, toss the ball against the wall and practice trapping and control with your thighs, chest and work on headers, go in the backyard and try moves and different variations with the ball but most importantly keep playing and have fun!

[Strieder]

Thanks for all the replies guys =)

I did intramural a year ago at school, but didn't enjoy it. The teams were ridiculously competitive, and not too much into just enjoying it. I hadn't thought of finding a rec league out there...I'll definitely look into that once I go back in August