If you are in the best soccer shape but are lacking in ball control you will certainly falls short of being the best soccer player that you can be. This holds true if it was the other way around. Being soccer fit and possess good ball control are fundamental attributes in becoming a successful soccer player.

#1. Soccer Fitness

The game of soccer requires an extended amount of running regardless of the position that is played. It is not uncommon for players, (strikers, mid fielders, and defenders), to cover the length field numerous times during the game. Any one player can log up to eight miles in any given game.

Although soccer goalkeepers do not cover as much of the field as all other players, they are not exempted from being in tip top soccer condition. There are three main areas that you need to cover in your quest toward your soccer fitness (condition) are:

• Speed and Agility – Develop your speed and agility and you will out play your opponents
• Flexibility and Warming up – improve you flexibility and a develop proper warming up routine can go a long way in preventing injuries
• Strength and Muscle – Get on a weight training program that is develop specifically for soccer and your fitness (condition) will be even more successful.

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#2. Ball Control Skills

Ball control is the ability to keep possession of the ball through the use of fancy (dribbling) moves, with the foot instep, lace, tights, chest, and head.The players that own these skills are usually experience at the game and have worked hard on improving their skills through:

Proper kicking and passing technique

• Trapping techniques
• Dribbling techniques
• Heading techniques
• Throwing techniques
• Tackling techniques

Here are 4 ways to improve the skill part of your game:

•  Repetition – You should practice moves until it become a natural reflex action.
•  Watch and Learn – watch others play will help to see how others play and move on the field. You can then incorporate some if their game into your playing style.
• Watch soccer video and DVD – Besides watching other play live, you can watch video and DVD repeatedly to incorporate their moves in your game.
• Visualization – Before practices and more so before games you should visualize yourself playing and doing thing in the games. You would be surprise that visualizing yourself playing will translate into you doing those things that you see yourself doing before the game.

If you consistently incorporate fitness (conditioning) and ball control (technique) in your training regiment you will be well on your to become a solid and successful soccer player.