SOCCER SKILLS:

Seven fundamental soccer-skills, in addition to basic training skills gained by running, conditioning, and quickness drills, all emphasize ball control.

• Kicking is the essential method of moving the ball around the field and attempting goals. A player must be able to kick with precision using either foot. An instep kick is the most accurate and widely used technique. Placing the plant foot next to the ball, and keeping the eyes on the ball, the player swings his other leg through, driving the ball forward with the instep of his foot. Depending on how it is struck, the ball will sail in the air, scoot along the grass, or skim just above 'the ground.

• Passing with precision enables a team to move the ball into scoring position by kicking or bumping it beyond the reach of defenders. Short, decisive passes are more effective - and less likely to be intercepted - than longer ones. A center (or crossing) pass is directed through the air toward a teammate close to the opposing team's goal. Square passes are simple, back-and-forth exchanges between teammates, with the open player advancing the ball up the field. A give-and-go (wall) pass begins with a player bumping the ball to a teammate; the passer then races past or around defenders into an open area to receive a return pass.

• Heading the ball as it flies through the air requires a player to time his jump and snap his head forward, punching the ball with his forehead as it arrives. Using their heads, highly skilled players can pass or shoot with great accuracy.

• Dribbling (running with the ball) involves tapping the ball forward with the feet and maintaining control. Players use foot or body fakes, or stop-and-go fakes, to feint passes or shots and get the ball past defenders.

• Trapping the ball with the feet, knees, thighs, or chest helps a player control the ball so he can dribble with it or position it for a pass or a shot.

• Marking is a defensive skill that consists of sighting and following the ball, guarding against shots or passes. If a player is too easily faked out and allows the ball to be advanced past him, he needs practice in marking and footwork.

• Tackling, another defensive maneuver involves using the feet to hook or poke the ball from a dribbling player without hitting or otherwise fouling him. A player trying a sliding tackle slides his body along the ground and extends one leg to pull or push the ball away from his opponent.

SOME OTHER TERMS

Centering -  Passing the ball from near a touch line into the penalty area where teammates can shoot at the goal.

Half-volley - A kick made on a ball just as it bounces off the ground.

Save - Refers to a goalkeeper preventing a shot from entering his goal.

Screening - Keeping the ball from an opponent by shielding it with the body.

Volleying - kicking the ball while it is still in the air.