Learning to juggle a soccer ball is one of the most important things that a young player can do. While most players rarely juggle during a match (although you may sometimes see the best players do so), the skills players use while juggling are crucial, especially for young players. Juggling a soccer ball can help players who struggle with their first touch, control, coordination, and so much more.
Step One
Pick up the ball and drop it, immediately kicking it back into your hands. That’s one juggle. An important thing to note is that you should try to avoid leaning back when you do so. The further you lean back, the less control you have over the ball. Repeat this at least five times.
Step Two
Drop the ball again and try for two juggles: kick the ball twice in the air before you catch it. Don’t let the ball touch the ground. Repeat this at least five times.
Step Three
Repeat, gradually increasing how many times you try to juggle before catching the ball. Try to make it realistic — don’t jump from five to fifty juggles. Keep increasing the tally by small amounts. It may seem unnecessary but it will help you (or your player) to focus on set goals at first.
Step Four
Once you feel confident you are ready to move on, start doing a free juggle. This means that, instead of stopping at a specific number and catching the ball, simply juggle until the ball hits the ground and then start over again. Keep track of your high score — it’s good to have goals to reach.
Bonus Tips
There are many different ways you can juggle since you can use any part of your body except for your arms and hands to do so. One way you can try to mix things up is by gradually moving the ball higher: start with it at your feet, then juggle it onto your thighs, then kick it up to your chest, and then finally head the ball. Really skilled players can even “catch” the ball, getting the ball to land (and stop) on the top of their foot before resuming juggling.
You also don’t have to start with the ball in your hands. If you’re up for a challenge, you can flick the ball up to start a juggle — essentially roll the ball backward and then scoop it up with your foot. You can also have a teammate toss or lightly lob the ball towards you so it starts midair, or, if you are by yourself, you can play the ball off a wall to get the juggle started.
