Discover These 15 Awesome Soccer Skills to Learn and Master This Season

You know, every time I watch a high-stakes soccer match, I’m reminded of that fierce but inspiring quote from deputy coach Yani Fernandez: "Yung sinasabi ngang rivalry (with La Salle), talagang pinanindigan na rin namin." It’s not just about rivalry—it’s about committing to your craft, pushing through challenges, and mastering skills that set you apart. That mindset is exactly what I want to bring into this guide. Today, I’m excited to walk you through 15 awesome soccer skills to learn and master this season. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your game, these moves have been game-changers for me and countless players I’ve coached over the years.

Let’s start with the basics but with a twist: ball control. I can’t stress enough how crucial it is to feel comfortable with the ball at your feet. One drill I swear by is the "sole roll"—using the bottom of your foot to roll the ball side to side while keeping your eyes up. It sounds simple, but when you do it for 10 minutes daily, your touch becomes silkier within just two weeks. I remember practicing this in my backyard as a kid, imagining I was in a tight match, and it paid off big time during actual games. Next up, passing accuracy. Don’t just kick the ball aimlessly; focus on weight and direction. Try the "wall pass" exercise: stand about 10 feet from a wall and pass repeatedly, aiming for the same spot. I’ve tracked my progress here—starting at 60% accuracy and hitting 85% after a month of consistent drills. It’s all about repetition, but mix it up to avoid boredom; maybe throw in one-touch passes to simulate real-game pressure.

Dribbling is where creativity shines, and my personal favorite is the "step-over." It’s flashy but effective if done right. Shift your weight, swing your leg over the ball without touching it, and explode in the opposite direction. I’ve seen players add this to their arsenal and immediately throw defenders off balance. Just a heads-up: overdo it, and you might lose possession, so practice in small spaces to improve close control. Another gem is the "Cruyff turn"—pulling the ball back with the inside of your foot while pretending to pass or shoot. I first tried this after watching Johan Cruyff highlights, and it took me around 50 attempts to get the timing down. But once I did, it became my go-to move in crowded midfield areas.

Now, let’s talk shooting. Power is great, but placement wins games. For the "curling shot," plant your non-kicking foot beside the ball, strike with the inside of your foot, and follow through across your body. I recommend aiming for the corners of the goal during practice; in my experience, hitting 100 shots a week boosted my success rate from 20% to nearly 65% in match situations. And don’t forget volleys—they’re unpredictable and thrilling. Start with lobbed passes from a partner and focus on timing rather than brute force. I once scored a volley from outside the box after weeks of drilling, and the feeling was pure magic. Defensive skills often get overlooked, but mastering the "slide tackle" can be a game-saver. Timing is everything here; go in too early, and you’ll foul, too late, and you’re beaten. I advise practicing on soft ground first to build confidence. Also, jockeying—staying on your feet and forcing attackers wide—is underrated. I learned this the hard way in a local tournament where I overcommitted and cost my team a goal. Since then, I’ve focused on patience, cutting angles, and communicating with teammates, which ties back to that "pinanindigan" spirit Fernandez mentioned: standing firm in your role, even when the pressure mounts.

As we wrap up, I hope this list inspires you to dive into these 15 awesome soccer skills to learn and master this season. From ball control to defensive grit, each move builds on that commitment to excellence. Remember, it’s not about being perfect overnight—it’s about putting in the work, embracing the rivalry within yourself, and having fun along the way. I’ve shared my ups and downs with these techniques, and I’m confident they’ll elevate your game too. So get out there, practice with passion, and who knows? You might just become the player others quote in their own journeys.