4 Training Tips & Tricks for Soccer Wing Players

Playing the wing position in soccer? Follow these tips to be the best!

Fast. Agile. Dependable. That's what it takes to be a soccer wing player. The winger position is all about taking wide attacks. These players are on either side of the field, playing close to the sidelines. It's their job to attack, cross, and pass the ball into the most active areas. Because of this, wingers have to have incredible stamina and ability. Their teammates depend on them! So, do you have what it takes to be a good winger? Follow these training techniques to stay on top of your game.

Part 1
Part 1 of 4:

Improving Speed

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    Improve your speed. The most basic physical attributes that a good winger should have is speed.[1] With speed, you would be able to bomb down the wings like Ronaldo or Messi. To improve your speed, follow the steps laid out in this section.
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    Have a friend place both of his hands on your shoulders.
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    Try to run as hard as you can in the direction of your friend while he tries to prevent you from doing so with his or her hands on your shoulders.
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    Ask your friend to let go and move away after about 10 seconds. This should result in you running at full speed in a forward motion.
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    Repeat this method at least 10 times a week. You should find that your speed will increase in about a month or so. This method is widely used by many athletes to beef up their speed.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 4:

Increasing Stamina

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    Work on your stamina.[2] Another physical attribute that a good winger should possess is stamina. A way to build this up is through swimming and frequent long distance jogs at high altitudes. The former increases lung capacity while the latter increases the amount of red blood cells that your body produces. These types of exercise increase the amount of oxygen you can take in your lungs with a single breath.
Part 3
Part 3 of 4:

Dribbling and Agility

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    Increase your agility.[3] No winger would be complete without good dribbling and agility. How to build these up? Simple––follow the suggestions in this section.
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    Do daily dribbling and movement with the ball in confined spaces. A good place to do it would be in your own home. But please avoid any damage to any thing or person.
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    Do lots of turns with the ball and get accustomed to the leg movements. The more you do, the better your ball control will be. Ball control is essential for dribbling.
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    Run. As for agility, you can do shuttle runs on a weekly basis.[4] Try to time yourself every time you do it and make an effort to beat your timing at every attempt.
    • Also, you could learn some dribbling moves through viewing tutorial videos on YouTube.
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    Work on improving your weak foot. You need to be able to cross, pass, and shoot with both feet. Many of the world's greatest wingers are two-footed and are so dangerous because they are able to cut in and shoot or drift wide and cross. Work on using you weak foot to control, pass, and shoot the ball. It may feel awkward at first, but eventually, you will get used to it and it will feel natural.
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Part 4
Part 4 of 4:

Positioning

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    Look for space when your team is in possession. Run to the space and do this very frequently.[5]
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    Use your vision to help find spaces which aren't offside. Place yourself there regularly at right moments.
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    Ask for someone to pass to you in that space. If in wing position, cross or dribble and shoot or pass.
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Community Q&A

  • Question
    How do I improve foot strength in my kicking foot?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Run up and down steps or any staircase; do that with enough intensity to build strong feet. When taking a shot, make sure you shift your body weight in the direction of your shot.
  • Question
    How can I control the ball better?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Practice your ball dribbling to work on your close control. You can also throw the ball directly in the air and judge where it will land to take it down and trap the ball.
  • Question
    During my practice, I am a good player but during a game play I become nervous. Why?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    That's just natural human instinct. Learn to be confident with the ball and protect it. The nervousness should lessen the more confident you become.
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References

  1. ↑ https://www.completesoccerguide.com/soccer-winger/
  2. ↑ https://www.completesoccerguide.com/soccer-winger/
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnYVrXTxDNE
  4. ↑ https://www.active.com/soccer/articles/11-tips-for-building-lateral-speed-and-agility-874078
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AnYVrXTxDNE

About This Article

Walter Merino
Co-authored by:
Walter Merino
Soccer Coach
This article was co-authored by Walter Merino. Walter Merino is a Youth Soccer Coach and Co-Founder of Ole Soccer Club based out of the Los Angeles, California area. He has coached youth from the age of four to the high school and college levels. Walter has played collegiate soccer for Cal Poly Pomona and Los Angeles Mission College. His accomplishments include coaching Olé Soccer Club to win the 2017 Cal South State Cup Governors Boys 2007 Division title. This article has been viewed 213,404 times.
7 votes - 86%
Co-authors: 18
Updated: March 17, 2023
Views: 213,404
Categories: Soccer
Article SummaryX

To be a great wing player in soccer, you’ll need to be fast, agile, and know how to be in the right place at the right time. If you want to improve your speed, have a friend hold your shoulders in place as you try to run forward. After 10 seconds, have them let go, which will help you start running at full speed from a stand-still. You should also practice dribbling drills daily. Moving the ball around cones and in confined spaces is great for improving your agility. When you’re playing out on the field, look for open spaces when your team has the ball. Then, run to these places so you’re ready when someone passes to you. To learn how to improve your stamina, read on!

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