Skill: Juggle a Soccer Ball

A basic skill that has so much to teach you

Why Should I?

Juggling a soccer ball is one of the great skills to master for ball control, and no matter how good you are, you can always develop this skill further.

  • Improve your touch skills
  • Develop confidence and balance
  • Practice anywhere with just a ball
  • Great for a pre-game warm up
  • It looks impressive!

Where do I start?

If you are just learning you will find some great resources below. You can experiment with different ball types too. Try juggling a balloon or beach ball to develop initial confidence. The basics:

  • Hold the ball in your hand, drop it to your foot, kick it back and catch. Repeat.
  • Repeat this over and over until you are confident.
  • Start doing doubles, catching every second touch.
  • Switch feet - Left then Right. Develop them both.
  • Try to put some backspin on it. This helps to keep it close.
  • Bring in a thigh, chest, or even head when you can.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice

Simple Beginnings

  • Work from the knee. First the right, then the left, then both.
  • When you have that down, get your right and left feet involved.
  • Focus, work toward accuracy, not speed.
For those new to juggling, the knees may be a better place to start. This could be an ideal routine to set your first challenge around. As you gain confidence scroll down for a more advanced overview.

Helpful Hints

  • Start slow, take your time and find your rhythm.
  • Watch the ball at all times, watch it hit your foot and return to your hands, focus on connecting.
  • The ball should land on top of your boot, on the laces, not your toe.
  • Keep your balance. Use your arms like a tight rope walker does to maintain balance
  • Breathe!!!!! or rather don't hold your breath as that tenses the body up. Relax your body and and enjoy the moment.
  • Watch the video for a great place to get started.

What is my goal?

For a great beginners challenge - aim for a number of sequential reps.

  • Singles - Left foot , catch, right foot, catch.
  • Doubles - Left foot right foot, catch. Right foot, left foot catch.
  • Continuous Reps - Left, right, left, right.

Wait, I'm better than that!

Looking for a more advanced challenge? Mix things up and take inspiration from those ahead of you.

  • Involve your head, chest and knees.
  • Launch the ball from the ground, hands free.
  • Juggle with a partner or small team.
  • Take it further - get inspired, and develop your own challenge.

Take the Challenge

Commit to a 30 day Soccer Skills Juggling Challenge. Set your own goals, and shoot for them.

Take Challenge

Develop Your Juggling Skills

Identify Goals, Learn Juggling Fundamentals, Practice Lots, Share your Victories.

Take the 30 Day Challenge

What can you do to get that little bit better toward mastering the skill in the next 30 days?

Make A Commitment

Set your goal. Ensure it is attainable, and yet sets a worthy challenge to grow your current skill level. Take a 30 day challenge. Hold yourself accountable by emailing your commitment to [email protected], or post the commitment publicly tagging @soccerskillsaus #soccerskillschallenge #juggling

Learn The Skills

Learn from the greats. Start at SoccerSkills.com.au/skill/juggling to learn to understand the techniques and skills you need to master.

Practice, Practice, Practice

It may take 10,000 hours to achieve soccer mastery, but you can develop a long way toward your juggling skills in less than 20 hours. Now it's time to put in the effort and have some fun.

Share Your Victories.

Celebrate your achievements. Keep track of your victories on SoccerSkills.com.au, and share what you have learned with your friends.

Encourage Your Mates

We all get better together. Encourage your friends to take on their own challenge. Share tips, resources and other references that have helped you in your journey.

Stepping it Up

If you have mastered the basics, there are plenty of opportunities ahead of you. Check out this video for tips on Stalls to integrate to your routine, some interesting approaches to lifting the ball with a Pop, add a Jester or Around the World and Over the World move.

Freestyle Routines

It's a great idea to take inspiration from those who have already mastered these moves.

Will John demonstrates some nice advanced tricks to add to your skills goal list. There is some great inspiration here, along with a few tips to really master some of these more advanced moves.

Go ahead and set your Challenge

Commit to a 30 day Soccer Skills Juggling Challenge. Set your own challenging, but achievable goals, and shoot for them.

Take Challenge