A ball. Soccer balls come in different sizes depending
on how old you are.
If you play in a league, a goal will usually be provided
for you, and you can buy a smaller goal if you want to
play in your backyard—just make sure it is anchored
to the ground. No goal? No problem! Just set up any two
objects (cones or water bottles are good) to shoot between.
Two pieces of equipment you need to wear at all times
when playing soccer are shin guards and cleats. Shin guards
are designed to protect your legs from the ball, and from
being kicked by other players. They are required in most
leagues. The right cleats to wear for soccer are ones
that are plastic or rubber — they'll help you with
your quick starts, stops and turns.
Be sure to wear shin guards and appropriate soccer cleats
during games as well as practices. Warming up, especially
your leg muscles, is very important. To avoid headaches
and dizziness, use your head and learn the proper technique
for heading a ball in a game. Also, to protect your mouth
from collisions (especially if you have braces) wear a
mouthguard.
In addition to a good strong kick, you'll want to master
basic skills like passing (moving the ball to a teammate
with a controlled kick), dribbling (tapping the ball with
your feet to move it down the field), trapping (stopping
the ball with your feet, legs, or chest), and heading
(using your head to stop or pass the ball). Once you get
these skills down, you'll be an unstoppable powerful girl!
Here are some great passing and trapping tips.
Passing. Pick your target out before you start the pass.
Keep your head down to make sure you kick the ball correctly.
Plant your non-kicking foot next to the ball and kick
the ball right in the center using the inside of your
foot and follow through with your leg.
Chest trap. As the ball comes toward you, get in front
of it and let it hit your chest. Bring your shoulders
around and slightly inward, creating a cavity for ball.
Make sure you keep your arms down, so the ball doesn't
accidentally hit your hands and cause a foul. When the
ball hits your chest, arch your back, so your chest pops
the ball upward and then lands at your feet.
For more information, visit: www.bam.gov/sub_physicalactivity/activitycards_soccer.html
