20 Things any good soccer player should know and do

1. A complete soccer player must have technical skills, tactical knowledge, be fit, psychologically strong, self-disciplined/motivated, and a person who is positive for team chemistry.

2. If you can't pass and receive a soccer ball, you can't play soccer. It’s that simple!

3. When your team has the ball, everyone is on offense; when your opponents have the ball, everyone is on defense. We must pressure the ball with our front-runners

4. If you lose the ball, you should be the first person on defense. Giving immediate chase is the first rule of defense. Transition defines a team.

5. Beat your opponent to the ball. It is more difficult for your opponent to score a goal if she doesn't have the ball.

6. Do not just kick the ball unless it is in a dangerous position in front of our goal. Instead, take a "picture" of the situation BEFORE you get the ball. In this way you can perceive the situation, determine the best solution, and act accordingly when the ball arrives.

7. Don't run forward when your team has the ball, unless you run back when the other team has the ball.

8. When changing from offense to defense, sprint to get between your man and the goal you are defending. Delay the attack until you get numbers behind the ball.

9. In a soccer game, only one team plays soccer. The other team chases. What would you like to do? Maintain possession of the ball!

10. Pressure is the key to success. The first ten minutes of each half will set the tone for the game. What message do you want to send the opponent in those key times?

11. After a goal, always thank your teammate for the assist. Quite often that player has made the tougher play.

12. Always train on the edge of your skill level**. If you always train in your comfort zone, you will never get better.

13. Do not say anything to a referee! They are not dishonest, but sometimes they will make mistakes, just as we do. If all of our players made as few mistakes as referees in a game, the team would be undefeated every season.

14. The only excuse to pass the ball in the attacking third with one player to beat is if your pass results in a first-time shot on goal from a better angle. Don't be afraid to take a player on! Be our "personality" player!

15. "I don’t care that you make a mistake;" I only care about what you do immediately after your mistake. Don't pout - just win the ball back!

16. It is acceptable to take chances in the attacking third of the field, and unacceptable in the defensive third. Assess risk versus gain!

17. Never argue or talk back to the coaches, they want to help you to become a better player. Listen and learn from them. If you disagree with something, find an appropriate time to discuss it with them.

18. Never criticize a teammate: If they make a mistake help them learn by showing them how to do the required skill. Be a positive force on the team. Team chemistry is crucial for success!

19. Never criticize the goalie after a goal: Before the ball got by her, ten players also let the ball get by them.

20. Win, lose, or tie, if you have given 100 percent when you walk off the field, you have nothing to be ashamed of and should not have any regrets. Take pride in your achievements!