Usa Women's Soccer Team Article

Soccer Tips: How to Juggle The Ball

Try juggling the ball to warm up and improve your ability to balance the ball. Juggle the ball from the top of your foot into the air. Keep the ball in the air as much as possible.

Juggling can help you refine your motor skills and make you a better player.

Try to drop the ball onto the top of your foot, then balance it and try to volley it into the air with your foot. Your toes will be raised higher than your heel, which normally will spin the ball a bit. Try to keep your balance by keeping your knees slightly bent. You should try to keep the ball in play and kick it no higher than the top of your head.

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

Another great way to test your ability and improve your agility is to practice with your opposite foot. Try kicking the ball with the other foot and catch it. This kind of practice will help develop your weaker side and will work on your balance and agility. Repeat this exercise over and over until you become comfortable doing it.

Next, try to alternate dribbling back and forth between your 2 feet and kick the ball up in the air. Make sure you can keep control of the ball at all times. You are able to use any part of your body to keep the ball in play except of course your hands and arms. Practice using your head to keep the ball in motion.

If this gets too easy for you, try to juggle several balls. Juggling several balls will test your reflexes and keep you in constant motion. Try to juggle from your shoulders, thighs, head and other areas, not just the feet to improve your overall motor skills.

Above all, be patient. This juggling drill takes lots of time and should be practiced regularly. The more you practice it, the more you will improve your agility.

Remember to maintain your posture at all times. If you keeping yourself upright, with a slightly bent leg, you will be able to flip the ball and still maintain your balance.

Soccer takes lots of practice to hone your skills, and need to continually learn new skills to improve your game. If you have trouble juggling, ask your coach for help. He may have some ideas you haven't thought of. Don't ever let yourself get discouraged: it takes lots of practice, but you will improve your game if you keep at it.