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What are good soccer skills to practice to make the middle school soccer team?

I want to try out for the soccer team at my middle school next year. I have around 10 months until tr-outs. What are some good skills or practice routines I should practice?!?!

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1. Dribbling the ball...running down the field weaving among opponents while controlling the ball. Long kicks toward goal. passing the ball to other players.

Also: running, sit ups, calisthenics

2. What a great question!

You will definitely need to be comfortable with a ball at your feet. You should be able to dribble confidently around obstacles. A good way to do this is to dribble your ball around your house (if your parents will allow) and try not to let it touch anything.

Also, you should be able to pass accurately and consistently. You can work on this easily if you have a sturdy wall. Make a target and attempt to hit it constantly.

Core strength, as well as leg strength, is crucial. Core exercises like crunches and trunk twists will be good to establish balance and strength. For your legs, run and do power kicks with your ball.

Conditioning is also important! You should be very well in shape, because soccer requires a lot of running! Be able to run a mile in around 7 minutes, the faster the better. Also, sprints are very beneficial. You can practice these by timing yourself and trying to run the length of the soccer field in under 20 seconds!

Good luck, and I'm sure you will make it! :)

3. "Just Me" had some very good advice which I am only adding to.

I read a statistic recently that said 30% of all national team players come out of Southern California. I believe the premier club is SD Surf Soccer. I also believe the best club for developing is the San Diego Football Academy. Sorry, but I could not find postings from the San Diego Football Academy. Who does SD Surf go to to teach their skills? Most likely, it is Mario Mrakovic. Last year, his fist generation of "grassroots" kids, both boys and girls (under 9) won Cal South's prestigious State Cup within minutes of each other. I was there. It was truly a magical experience.

Here is a link to Mario's son "Luka" demonstrating 10 attacking moves and 10 screening moves.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_VAijzIIF2k

Practice them just how they are demonstrated until you can do them in your sleep.

Feel free to do more searches on all things "Mario."

Good luck.