it can be hard to get used to the know whens about this beautiful game; but with time and practice it will become second nature. Don't focus too much on should I do it now.. simply communicate and follow communication. If you hesitate or second guess yourself well you will end up with a worse result (usually) Players that have been playing for a while should be able to communicate and help you. Like limey described it's all dependent on what position you are playing. I was a midfielder and sometimes moved up to striker. I'd play midfield alot different than I would if I were a striker. It would be helpful if you told us where you were playing on the field and what formations your team generally uses. If you have good ball control then you can make it anywhere on the field. ... my main tip is to make sure you become adept with both feet. This will help tremdously. You say you can dribble well so you should already be on that track.
as far as excerises go.. leg lifts, wind sprints and jump squats are good for me. As far as dribbling goes, set up a few cones or obstacles and work on looking straight ahead as you make your cuts and your switches. Work on slow dribbling and fast dribbling. For cross work and chip work I like to set up a box or something and move around the field from different lenths and practice putting the ball in the box. It helps with timing and with distance.
When you're passing make sure you make a good crisp pass....no-one like a lazy pass. What I like to do is get in front of a wall and practice my technique.. timing comes from scrimages and games. Practice your instep pass and your outside of the foot pass.. both are needed.
The biggest thing about being a team player is COMMUNICATION. You must communicate with your team at all times. Yelling square to let a player know to pass beside him (to you) or cross right, cross left... forward, back.. you get the idea. Yell MAN ON when a defender is coming up on one of your teamates with the ball... people use different sayings but it's all about the same general idea. Hope you have fun and you do well keep us up to date!
