Running

• Speed is an essential quality for soccer. Some players are naturally fast; others have to work on improving their speed. A good, easy exercise is running 10- to 20-yard sprints. Accelerate as quickly as you can at the start. You also can run up and down an incline (at no more than a 30-degree angle), which also builds leg endurance. Run up as quickly as you can, then return down slowly.
  
  

Shooting

• Shooting a soccer ball takes more than just kicking at the ball. Do not use the front of your foot. Instead, practice hitting the ball with the inside of your foot near the big toe for better control. Accuracy also depends on following through with your kick, with both your foot and leg moving toward the desired target. Practice aiming at specific parts of the net from a standing position. Once you have developed some proficiency, begin aiming for the same target while running at various angles toward the goal.
  
  

Dribbling

• Running and controlling the ball at the same time, called dribbling, allows you to move quickly down the field. Practice by trotting with and pushing the ball forward with your foot, no more than 2 feet ahead. Then switch feet, pushing forward with the right foot and then with the left foot. Increase your speed. Focus on dribbling with your head up and eyes on the field instead of the ball, so you can pay more attention to oncoming defenders and passing opportunities.
  
  

Passing

• Passing is just as important as shooting. Using the inside of your striking foot, kick the ball towards an object, like a cone or a spot on a wall. Repeat often and change feet. Just like shooting, once you've mastered kicking the ball standing still, try passing while dribbling in different directions.