Nintendo Switch Sports Soccer Tips

Nintendo Switch Sports soccer is one of three new sports introduced in the latest iteration of the Wii Sports series. In addition, it can be one of the trickier sports to master in Nintendo Switch Sports due to the way it interacts with the game’s motion controls. Nevertheless, here are five tips players can use to improve at Nintendo Switch Sports soccer and climb the ranks in the Nintendo Switch Sports Pro League.

Fancy some tips for other games in Switch Sports? Check out these guides:

• Nintendo Switch Sports tennis tips
• Nintendo Switch Sports volleyball tips
• Nintendo Switch Sports chambara tips
• Nintendo Switch Sports badminton tips
• Nintendo Switch Sports bowling tips

Nintendo Switch Sports Soccer Motion Controls

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Without the Leg Strap accessory, the Nintendo Switch Sports soccer motion controls can feel unintuitive, since players will perform actions using their arms rather than legs. Nevertheless, mastering each of the specific motions will be crucial for excelling in this sport.

There are three types of basic kicks in this sport. By swinging the Joy-Con upward, players can launch the ball into the air and over their opponents’ heads. By swinging downward, they can kick the ball straight along the ground. Finally, players can also kick the ball diagonally in either direction by swinging their Joy-Con to the side. 

In addition, the Sportsmate will perform a diving header if the player swings both of their Joy-Con controllers downward at the same time. While this launches the ball farther than a standard kick, it also uses up a good deal of the character’s stamina. As a result, players should probably use this technique strategically and sparingly. 

Interestingly, performing the diving header motion after scoring a goal will instead cause the Sportsmate to slide on their knees with their arms in the air. This kind of celebration can make for a fun flex after earning a point.

Nintendo Switch Sports Soccer Button Controls

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Alongside its motion controls, soccer also features more button controls than most other sports in Nintendo Switch Sports. Players can press the B button to jump and, if playing with teammates in the four-versus-four mode, press the A button to ping teammates and indicate that they’re open. In addition, players can move their characters with the left control stick and control the camera with the right stick.

Pressing ZL will cause the Sportsmate to dash quickly. But, like performing a diving header, dashing uses up the character’s limited supply of stamina. The Sportsmate’s circular stamina meter refills slowly and running out of stamina causes the player to move more slowly when trying to dash. As a result, players should save their dashes until it’s necessary to block or score a goal.

Finally, players can perform a pass with the ZR button. If the player presses this while swinging the Joy-Con, then they will automatically kick the ball straight to a nearby teammate. This allows for more precise gameplay than merely kicking the ball in the general direction of a teammate.

Nintendo Switch Sports Soccer Tips: Checking the Minimap

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Nintendo Switch Sports soccer is also unique in that it provides players with a minimap on screen. This minimap indicates where the ball is at all times, as well as the locations of every other player on the field.

Keeping an eye on the minimap is crucial for working together as a team to ensure proper positioning. Rather than trying to chase the ball at all times, most players should keep an eye on the minimap to figure out where the ball will be and go there instead.

Nintendo Switch Sports Soccer Tips: How To Win By Knockout

Just like there are strike setups that can be used to clinch a perfect game in Nintendo Switch Sports bowling, there is an optimal path to victory in soccer. The best way to secure a quick win in Nintendo Switch Sports soccer is to win by knockout.

Under normal circumstances, a four-versus-four match will last three minutes, while one-on-one matches last two minutes. However, the game automatically ends if one team gets a four-point lead. As a result, an aggressive, high-scoring approach can allow teams to earn victories without giving their opponents enough time to rally back.

Nintendo Switch Sports Soccer Tips: Golden Ball

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Of course, players should not neglect defensive play altogether even if they gain an early advantage in Nintendo Switch Sports soccer. Whether winning or losing, players should keep an eye on the golden ball, which is this sport’s primary comeback mechanic.

The golden ball replaces the regular soccer ball whenever one team gains a two-point lead. If the player is on the losing team, it is crucial to take an offensive approach as the golden ball will likely be the only way for them to even the score and have a chance at winning.

Conversely, players on the winning team have a bit more leeway in determining their approach. They could opt to go aggressive and make a goal with the golden ball, resulting in an instant knockout win, or they could hang back and prioritize playing defense to prevent the other team from scoring.