In Brazil, when the baby is born, they are automatically baptized by the father’s words about which team the child will represent. It is a little exaggerated and funny, but really the family passes on the team’s heritage from grandfather and father over the generations. Rarely is there any deviation. Soccer is not a sport in Brazil; it is more like a religion.

Although Neymar is known for his antics and fake leaps into the air to draw a penalty, he does have amazing soccer skills. It has been said that Neymar started dribbling a ball and playing soccer from the moment he began walking. And the rest is history, as we can see it today.

Here is how Neymar developed his incredible timing and skills.

Started Early in Life

First, it is essential that when you start playing or practicing at a very early age, you develop your neuromuscular system and brain for the sport. And since Neymar began playing soccer when he started walking, this development probably enriched his skills. The best time to learn something is when you are a child and stick to it. However, it’s never too late to start if you want to be good at something. But childhood it’s the best time to begin practicing.

Played Street Soccer

Like every child who loves their sport, all they want to do is play all day. But the love of the game definitely helped him develop fast. He woke up every morning just wanting to play soccer. And after school, he would grab his ball and play with friends on the court until late at night. This developed his passion, sincerity, and love for the game- essential qualities needed to develop greatness and legendary status.

Played Futsal

Neymar said futsal had an incredible influence on him. Futsal is like indoor soccer but with out-of-bounds. Neymar said that this really helped to develop his skills, techniques, speed, reactions, and reflexes. Futsal helped him to learn how to get out of tight situations on the pitch when being double-defended. It teaches you how to escape with little space using your skills and tricks because the court is not as big as the field. Neymar commented if you want to be good on the field, then learn to play on the court. It will help you think more quickly and react faster.

Neymar stopped playing futsal at the age of 13 because he was discovered by Santos FC at 11 years old. He needed to learn how to adapt and play the game professionally.

Beach Soccer

Besides playing on the street and the court, Neymar played on the beach too! Beach soccer is challenging physically and mentally. Firstly, it helps you react to passes. For example, when the ball is passed on the sand, it moves back and forth, not in a perfectly straight line. This helps develop your proprioception and eyes to react to the ball, which enhances your body’s reactions as well.

Secondly, running in the sand improves your balance. You must work harder to run faster when running in the sand. This develops your strength, power, and explosive potential. So, when you run on the ground, you feel lighter and faster with your feet and movements.

Beach Foot Volley

Beach foot volley is volleyball soccer. You play with your body, not your arms or hands. Footvolley in the sand is like beach soccer. The exception is you play in the air. So, to pass, you must be accurate with your touch, speed, and height passing the ball. You learn a lot of ball control and finesse playing footvolley.

Neymar gained much attention when he was young because of his impressive skills and abilities. However, as he matures, his play, techniques, and performance are getting better. He is playing more as a team rather than as an individual. When you mature, you start to see the playing field in a more effective way to conquer it.

Make sure you check him out in the World Cup this month. He is definitely a top player to watch.