Who Created Freestyle Soccer?

Over the last decade freestyle soccer has turned into a craze. Everyday a handful of talented tricksters are posting their amazing soccer skill videos on websites like YouTube, Metacafe and Facebook whilst millions of fans all over the globe spend hours on end, marvelling at the complexity of such audacious moves performed with a ball.
What fans seem to forget though is where did it all start, who created freestyle soccer? For those who are curious to know, you first have to take the journey to where it all began...
It has been well known throughout a very long period of time that soccer has been coined as 'the beautiful game'. The reason for this being is quite simply because it is a sport in which you can use almost your entire body - apart from your hands and arms - to decide the outcome of a ball game, whether through the use of a feint or trick, a controlled trap on the chest or knees, but most of the times through a powerfully executed strike - unlike any other sport.
Although soccer had such flexible rules from the start of it's existence, the most notable player to have taken considerable advantage over these rules was Pele. Commencing in the late 1950's Pele took soccer to a whole new level by performing dazzling tricks and maneuvers (never seen before with a ball) and totally fooling opponents on the field - left, right and center. Fortunately for everybody, it wasn't long after players and coaches discovered why he had possessed strikingly abnormal abilities. It turned out that Pele had practiced keeping the ball up in the air with various parts of his body since a young age and continued developing these particular skills in training. It was after this discovery that many players followed in Pele's footsteps, thus freestyle soccer was born - not the name but certainly the concept, and the creator most likely being Pele.
So, where is the proof?
It was very unlikely freestyle soccer was created before Pele's era because of the fact that balls were too heavy. Also take note that Pele has many old coaching videos where he shows you how to use parts of your body to keep the ball up in the air. These videos can be purchased through many websites on the internet. It is possible that Pele was the first top soccer player to have a his/her coaching video released.

For more freestyle soccer articles visit http://www.FreestyleSoccerProfits.com. This article is written by Thiago De Carvalho, the freestyle soccer expert.

Soccer Fathers & Sons!

Cha Bum-Kun and Cha Doo-Ri
Cha Bum-Kun is regarded as the greatest South Korean player ever and one of the best soccer talents to be imported into the German Bundesliga. Awarded the title 'Asia's Player of the Century', he first played for Frankfurt before moving on to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga. Having played more than 100 games for Korea Republic during his career, including the 1986 World Cup, Cha Bum-Kun is now the manager of the Suwon Bluewings. While playing for Bayer Leverkusen, he scored 52 goals and played an important role in Leverkusen winning the UEFA Cup in 1988.

His son, Cha Doo-Ri has large shoes to fill. Born in Germany while his father played for Frankfurt, Doo-Ri spent his growing years in Germany, and currently plays for Freiburg. Doo-Ri has huge expectations from himself and hopes to follow his famous and gifted father's footsteps. Learning from Bum-Kun's experience as a seasoned soccer player, Doo-Ri feels his father's insights have helped him make the transition as a professional player. Known for his killer instinct in front of the goal, Leverkusen's manager Ilja Kaenzig is waiting for Doo-Ri to acclimate himself to the rigors of the Bundesliga and join the team in the near future. Doo-Ri is equally eager to wear the Leverkusen soccer shirt, just like his father once did...

Cesare and Paolo Maldini
Which soccer fan doesn't know the Italian Maldini's? Father Cesare, and son Paolo, have had the honor of lifting the European Cup as AC Milan's captain. Cesare, who wore the number 25 soccer shirt, represented his country during the 1962 and 1966 World Cups, and went on to become coach after retirement. His son, Paolo, ended his 25 year long career after winning numerous club and international honors, including the Champions League title in 2003. The same title was won by his father 40 years ago. Today, Cesare's grandson, Christian, carries on the family tradition of playing for AC Milan, though he's still in the youth team.

Johan and Jordi Cruyff
If you're not familiar with the name Johan Cruyff, you don't know your soccer! That's the legendary status of this Dutch soccer star. Recognized as the greatest footballer from Netherlands, and one of the best in the world, Johan sadly couldn't win a World Cup though he enjoyed great success at clubs like Barcelona, Ajax and Feyenord. His son Jordi, had a fairly successful career as attacking midfielder at Barca and Man U, and is now at Valletta, a Maltese club. As for his father, the thrice named 'European Footballer of the Year' went on to manage Ajax and Barca. Johan Cruyff is remember for introducing Total Football to the Dutch team. In 2007, Ajax retired the number 14 soccer uniforms in honor of Johan Cruyff...

Refs' chief unhappy with "half-hearted" Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson's apology to Alan Wiley has been described as "half-hearted" by Alan Leighton, the national secretary of the union Prospect that represents match officials.

Sir Alex Ferguson

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Sir Alex Ferguson watches his side play Sunderland.

• Harris: Bosses in the dock

Ferguson has courted controversy following a personal attack on Wiley that came after a 2-2 draw with Sunderland on October 3. Speaking on ESPN, the Manchester United manager accused the referee of not being fit enough and needing a rest during the game.

It has been reported that Ferguson's criticism forced Wiley to consider his future in the game and the United boss issued an apology after being contacted by the Football Association to explain his contentious comments.

His contrition has not satisfied Prospect though, who have already threatened legal action if the FA does not impose a satisfactory punishment. Instead of drawing a line under the row, they claim Ferguson's apology has broadened the argument by appearing to indicate that the fitness of all referees is a concern.

"I think it's a half-hearted apology at best really, and it probably exacerbates the position, rather than resolving it," Leighton told BBC Radio Five Live.

"He clearly hasn't retracted the statement about Alan being unfit so it's not an apology for the main offence caused - and then he widens it to question the fitness of other referees, so he seems to be opening another can of worms which I don't think is very helpful at all.

"Referees are very fit...they have sports scientists who test them regularly throughout the season. They don't just pass a fitness test at the start of the season. Their body fats and BMI are regularly monitored, there are get-togethers every two or three weeks where they are put through extensive training and testing.

"I think the punishment should be a UEFA-type coaching ban, which is rather more than a touchline ban. Referees always accept decisions are going to be pored over - they have no problem with legitimate criticism.

"What's problematic is when the integrity and key components of refereeing are being questioned in a totally unwarranted and unfounded way - and we will defend our members when they are.''

The passage in Ferguson's apology that appears to have angered Prospect read: "My only intention in speaking publicly, was to highlight what I believe to be a serious and important issue in the game, namely that the fitness levels of referees must match the ever increasing demands of the modern game, which I hope will now be properly addressed through the appropriate formal channels."

Soccer Tips - How to Tackle Explained

For every goal kicker who thinks he is the new Maradona, there are even more whose sole job is to kill your dreams of scoring that match winning goal.

A defender who can who can tackle and start a counter attack is every way as valuable as a match winning striker.

There are general rules that apply to tackling. One of the most important is timing. How to tackle and when to do it. Many a young defender has found it difficult to hold themselves back when confronted with an opponent screaming into goal. And a smart forward knows this is the case and will exploit this to the full, by just dribbling around easily, whilst the tackler falls down in a heap.

The next time you watch the professionals play, watch and learn how the top defenders respond once a forward is in there space.In a lot of cases they will move backwards to give themselves space between there opponent. And you will see them move slightly side on as they move backwards. This gives them the chance to spin around and sprint back if the forward tries to go around them with speed.

This side on stace allows a defender to turn much quicker than if they are face to face with there opponent. Something else that is very important with this technique or called 'standing off' is that allows you to stay on your feet. Nothing excites are goal striker than to see a flat footed defender that has fallen to the ground helpless! Especially in junior football, 'standing off' is a great technique to use against inexperienced players.

By letting your opponent see that you are ready to take them on is sometimes enough to pressure them into error. Again it all comes down to practice makes perfect. Practice this with your friends or at training and it will all become second nature to any up and coming young player.

Effective Finishing in Soccer - Top Skills You Must Have

Finishing is a term in soccer that describes the skill of scoring. It is finishing the play off, getting the goal. Sometimes the term is used instead of shooting and sometimes scoring. The difference between just shooting and scoring in finishing terms is, finishing by scoring is successful. Just shooting is a finishing action but not successful. Finishing can be done by any part of the player other than the hands. Learning to become a great finisher takes a lot of practice and skill but pays off dividends for your team.

There are different types of finishing methods. One of the most common methods is the 1 v 1 or breakaway. In this the attacker is going up against just the keeper. There are different ways an attacker can play this, however, precision and skill usually win out over powering their way through. If you tap the ball in the low corner, you have a higher chance of scoring than you do if you were to just strike from way out going for the top 90. Keeping it simple and faking the keeper out are much more effective than playing big foot in this type of situation.

Shooting from far out is another type of finishing skill that a great finisher must keep in his quiver of skills. To be effective shooting from far distances, you must have a lot of power and be very precise in your aim. However, the two skills don't always go hand in hand, sometimes being very powerful can take away from accuracy. Knowing your opponent's keeper will help as well. Just like other players on the field, keepers have preferred sides. They have weaknesses as well and exposing their weak side with great power will usually result in a goal. Watch your opponent's keeper during warm ups and during the game to see which is his weaker side. Shooting from far away can be a very effective skill if you follow these tips.

Placement of a shot is another finishing skill that should be mastered. The top 90 is a saying that refers to the top corners of the goal. When shooting a ball this is a very difficult area to place the ball, but it is even harder for the keeper to make a save here. A lot of younger kids are taught to shoot here and mistakenly think that it is the best place to shoot a ball. In their younger years this is fine, but as an attacker that wants to develop his finishing skills and refine into a better player, the player must have a low in the corner killer shot. A low and in the corner shot is actually the hardest shot for a keeper to save. Practicing these shots for game situations whether on a breakaway or during a PK will help your finishing skills improve.

Finishing off a cross is another important skill for an attacking player to know. This can come from a corner kick or when a wing player is crossing the ball. There are lots of different types of crosses, but knowing how to finish these is crucial to a team's continued success. Getting the ball across the goal line is the only thing that matters. Which part of your body you use to finish off a cross doesn't matter. What matters is making a strong contact between you and the ball and placing it in the net. One of the techniques you will want to practice is using your head. If the ball is high in the air practice heading it downwards into the corner. This takes a lot of dedication to get a precise shot but is well worth the practice. Volleys are another technique a player can use off a cross. This takes a lot of practice to get the timing down right so that you can strike the ball with power. Do not try and force the ball too hard, it's about timing. Working on volleys is a great way to sharpen your finishing skills.

Soccer is angles. The game of soccer is about angles and finishing is no stranger ot that. Whether you are shooting near or far post, your angle has a lot to do with your success. If you shoot near post, the opportunity for a corner kick is higher with a miss, if you shoot far post the opportunity for a schlop goal is higher. You as a finisher must decide which angle is going to benefit your team in which situation. If you have a lot of your own players in the goal box, then you may want to go far post. If you are by yourself you may want to go near post, then if you have a miss, it sets you up for a corner.

Finishing takes a lot of different skill sets and is a part of your game that cannot be neglected. Great finishers are an excellent asset to any team and provide the momentum for the team in offense. Finishing can be a glory train if successful, but the point in finishing is the end result of a goal and eventually a win, not the glory behind it. Soccer is a team sport.

Want to Know How to Play Soccer?

Soccer is becoming increasingly popular with players from around the world, how to play soccer is an issue which is frequently discussed. Read on to learn all you need to know about how to play this game.

How to play soccer - Touch and Dribbling

The first, and most important skill that any budding soccer player needs to develop, is touch and basic dribbling skills, which will allow the players to move with the ball at their feet.

As soccer players develop, they will develop the ability to move faster with the ball and to dribble around players. This is developed in training with the use of cones, which players are encouraged to dribble around. Eventually, the players will be able to do this faster and these skills can then be transferred into a practice game situation.

How to play soccer - Passing

Accurate passing of the ball is a vital attribute of any soccer player. Drills, such as passing the ball squarely across a field will teach the player to do this accurately, before the player learns how to pass under pressure in a practice match situation.

How to play soccer - Tackling

For defenders in particular, tackling is one of the most crucial aspects of learning how the game of soccer. This can only really be developed in a game situation, with advanced players coached in the art of the sliding tackle, which will successfully allow the player to gain the ball back from an opponent.

How to play soccer - Shooting

For offensive-minded players, shooting is one of the most important skills. This is developed through a series of 'one-on-one' exercises with a goalkeeper, where the player will be encouraged to shoot and score under pressure.

How to play Soccer - Heading

Heading the ball, whilst less important than kicking it, is still an important attribute in any soccer player. Learning to effectively head the ball, using the correct part of the forehead, jumping, and beating opponents in the air, are all important skills which every outfield soccer player will need.

How to play soccer - Drills vs. Practice Matches

Most soccer players will probably want to test themselves in practice matches, as these are more fun and exciting than repetitive drills. However, learning how to become a soccer player must involve a combination of drills and practice matches.

Drills will be used to help the player to develop their basic skills, while practice matches will allow them to apply these in a game situation. It is only by doing this that a soccer player can develop fully.

How to play soccer - Fitness

As with any other sport, physical fitness plays a vital role in soccer. Although less important with players, fitness drills are equally as important as soccer drills and need to be used in order to maintain the physical strength needed to be a good soccer player.

How to play Soccer - Practice makes perfect

The very best soccer players hone their skills through constant practice. David Beckham, for example, spent hours each day on the training pitch before he gained the ability to bend those trademark free kicks. Although it has been said that many players are born with a natural talent for soccer, this is only true to a certain extent, and learning how to play soccer to a good standard involves a great deal of practice as well as hard work and persistence.

Now you know more about how to play soccer, and the importance of practice and good coach, what's stopping you from choosing a soccer coaching course?

3 Basic Football Skills That You Need to Master

No matter what type of football you decide to play, there are some certain skills you need to do well. And obviously with Soccer or Football you need to master the skill of kicking.

In football there are a number of different demands, from passing the ball to a teammate who is a few feet away to a high power swerving kick for goal from 20-30 metres out.

The important thing to remember is you will get different levels of accuracy, power and height depending on which part of the foot you use, which part of the ball you kick or whether your knee is behind the ball or over it. It sounds hard, but it's not, it just comes down to practice and repetition.

Practice with your friends or practice kicking to a wall. Once you have done this for a period of time, you will find quickly what works for you.

There are 3 Important things you need to remember.

1) Any player should make sure they are lined up with the ball as it approaches. This is extremely important.

2) You need to decide very quickly once the ball is in the air what part of your body you will use to control it once it arrives. Making this decision early, means you will be well prepared when the ball gets to you.

3) You will need to cushion the ball when it arrives, a skill that is vital otherwise the ball will bounce of you into your grateful opponent! Cushioning is simply relaxing your body at the moment of impact and allow that part of your body to just "give". When you use your foot to cushion, just ensure your foot is slightly of the ground, with a relaxed ankle.

I know this can sound a bit difficult but these are all very simple techniques that you can learn yourself by just simply practising for hours on end. Until they become second nature in the heat of battle.