Not All Soccer Cleats Are Created The Same

Soccer is the world's most popular game for many reasons. Aside from the fun and competition it provides, soccer's appeal also stems from the fact that only a single piece of equipment is needed in order to play, and that is the soccer ball. However, if you want to be serious about the game, and you want to maximize your potential as well as protect your ever-important feet, then it is imperative that you invest in a pair of quality soccer cleats that will suit your skills and abilities.

In fact, most youth soccer programs and organized leagues require that appropriate soccer cleats be purchased before you will be allowed to compete. In order to purchase the appropriate soccer cleats you must make an assessment of both your needs and means. There are really three variables in play when making a decision on soccer cleats: your skill level, the surface on which you will be playing, and the amount of money you are willing to spend. Those factors will help you narrow the field of choices, allowing you to make a purchase that will suit your needs.

There are four basic types of soccer cleats: molded cleats, detachable cleats, turf shoes, and indoor shoes. Molded cleats are the most basic and inexpensive kind of soccer shoe, so they are an ideal choice for beginning and intermediately skilled players. Molded cleats get their name from the fact that the cleats themselves are part of the sole of the shoe, i.e. they are molded as one piece. The actual cleat is built in a size and shape that will allow it to perform well on nearly any kind of outdoor playing surface. The cleats cannot be removed, and when they wear out the entire shoe must be replaced. However, the low initial cost of molded cleats makes them easy to replace, and also makes them the ideal entry level shoe for most players.

Detachable cleats are the preferred choice of advanced and highly skilled players. The cleats are studs on the bottom of the shoe and they can be unscrewed and removed quite easily. This allows the player to not only replace cleats that have become worn over time, but more importantly, the player can tailor their shoes to perform best on different kinds of playing surfaces and in different conditions. By changing the length and type of cleat they use, a player can use the same shoe to play on firm turf or soft grass, dry and fast or wet and soggy. It is this versatility that makes detachable soccer cleats a must-have shoe for the serious player.

Rounding out the types in soccer footwear are indoor shoes and turf shoes, however, neither of these shoes are truly cleats in the literal sense. Lacking the peg-like cleats of the molded and detachable models, these soccer shoes are more like sneakers in appearance and are designed for indoor surfaces, or outdoor Astroturf.

When you are ready to purchase your soccer cleats make sure to have your foot properly measured in order to give you the best possible fit. Remember that the materials used to construct the boot portion of the shoe are important and factors greatly into the price. Real leather is expensive and comfortable, but can be easily damaged and becomes heavy when playing in wet conditions. Synthetic leather is less expensive and less durable, but it is the preferred material if you are playing on wet fields. No matter what you choose the important thing is that you are arming yourself with footwear that will allow you to enjoy your time playing soccer to the fullest.

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Soccer Practice Games - Lofted Passes

There are several soccer practice games that the coaches can have the players practice. One such a game is lofted passes game.

About The Lofted Passes Game

The lofted passes game is an effective way to practice lofted passes with backspin. Lofted passes with backspin is in fact a fundamental skill that each coach must teach his team and one that each soccer player must learn.

The best thing with this game is that the setup for the game is very simple and easy. There are many touches and the coach can teach many things with this game.

What It Teaches

With this game, the coach can teach every player about how to loft the ball for shots, for long over-the-top passes and as a way to clear the ball. Lofted ball is the term that is used to any type of pass or shot that goes into the air, including a chip.

However, the coaches need to address the team regarding the difference between various types of lofted passes and shots. The difference depends on how low the ball is struck. It also depends upon the angle of the kicker's body upon contact, such as whether he is leaning forward or backward.

The difference has also to do with the angle at which the ball is approached, and whether the follow thru is long or short. One good example is that a "chip" is approached straight on, while a lofted "drive" is usually approached at more of an angle.

What Is A Chip

A chip is nothing but a type of lofted ball with backspin. However, you cannot refer it as a drive because it does not go very far.

Difference In The Height Of The Ball

The difference in the height of the ball depends on certain things. For example, it depends on how close to the ground the ball is struck. It will go higher than if it is struck close to the middle if it is struck close to the ground.

Whether children continue to play soccer will have a lot to do with whether it is fun at early ages. This is where these soccer practice games can work wonders.

Andre Botelho is a recognized authority on the subject of soccer practice games. His web site, Youth Soccer Drills, provides a wealth of informative soccer articles, resources and tips for soccer coaches, parents and players.