Virginia Soccer Association Article

Soccer Tips: Juggling The Ball

You may want to try this as a warm up and to improve your abilities to balance the ball. You juggle the ball off the top of your foot and into the air. Try to keep the ball in the air as much as possible.

If you are interested in playing and improving your soccer game, have you considered juggling? This will help with your fine motor skills and make you a better player.

Try dropping the ball on the top of your foot, balancing it and try volleying it into the air with your foot. Your toes should be raised higher than your heel which will spin the ball a bit. Try to maintain balance by keeping your knees slightly bent. You will want to try to keep the ball in play and kicking it no higher than the top of your head.

Keep doing this drill and try to get the ball as high in the air as possible without losing control of it. This will be a true test of your ability to balance the ball and keep it in play.

Another great way to test your abilities is to practice with your opposite foot. Try kicking the ball with this foot and then catch it. This will help you develop your weaker side and to work on balance and agility. This will want to repeat this exercise until you feel comfortable doing it.

Then try alternating the dribble back and forth between your feet and kick the ball up in the air. Make sure you are able to maintain control of the ball at all times. You can use any part of your body to keep the ball in play except your hands and arms. Try using your head to keep the ball in motion.

If this is getting too easy for you, you may want to try juggling multiple balls. This will certainly test your reflexes and keep you in constant motion. You can also try juggling from your shoulders, thighs, head or anywhere. This will improve your fine motor skills.

Be patient. This drill takes time and needs to be practiced on a regular basis. The more you do, the more you will improve.

Keep in mind, that to do this you need to maintain your posture. Keeping upright, with a slightly bent leg will allow you to flip the ball and maintain your balance.

The game of soccer takes practice and it is best to learn any new skills to improve your game. If you are having trouble juggling ask for help from your coach. He may have some ideas for you that you had not thought of. Do not get discouraged, it takes practice but it will improve your game.