Skills and Tactics
A Guide to Formations
While the quality of player at a coach’s disposal is the fundamental factor in how a team performs, what formation is played can also have a decisive influence on the course of a game.
One-On-One Striker Tips
Tips for strikers in a one-on-one soccer situation.
Catenaccio
Catenaccio was a form of defensive soccer used primarily in the 1960s and 70s.
Five Goalkeeper Tips
Five goalkeeper tips to help with ball distribution, communication, one on one situations and command of the area.
The Arsenal Formation
A look at the Arsenal formation employed by manager Arsene Wenger.
The Manchester United Formation
A look at the Manchester United formation employed by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The Chelsea Formation
A look at the Chelsea formation employed by coach Andre Villas-Boas.
Catenaccio
Catenaccio was a form of defensive soccer used primarily in the 1960s and 70s.
Defensive Gameplan: The Offside Trap
The offside trap consists of defenders stepping higher up the field at the right moment, leaving attackers in an offside position just before their teammates pick out a pass to them. Properly executed, the offside trap allows defenders to win the ball back without having to make so much as a tackle.
The First Touch
The first touch is arguably the most important skill in soccer. Without a good one, you won’t ever have the opportunities to use your other skills because a defender will have already closed in. While these tips won’t necessarily turn you into Cristiano Ronaldo, they will tell you what you should be looking to do every time the ball comes to you.
The BBC's Soccer Skills Page
A guide to soccer skills by the folks at the BBC.
Soccer Formations
A quick guide to the most popular formations on the field, with a list of pros and cons and teams that have successfully implemented them.
Soccer Drills
A selection of soccer drills to help with shooting, tacking, passing and other basic skills.
Learn how to take a curling direct free kick
Free kicks are a valuable route to goal. Learn how to take a curling free kick with this step by step guide.
How to do the Cristiano Ronaldo Step Over
Real Madrid winger Cristiano Ronaldo is famous for his step over trick. Read this step by step guide on how he does it.
Offensive Game Plan: The 4-3-3 Formation
The 4-3-3 formation is generally used by teams who like to attack and take the game to their opponents. If you have the right players to fill the formation, it can be difficult for the opposition to live with.