Soccer Training: Juggling to new heights
Juggling a soccer ball is an excellent way to improve many skill sets required for the game of soccer. Juggling can be an individual execrcise or can be done with a partner or in a small group; even a large group.
To make juggling more intersting and to develop a skill set that translates easily into game play players should have a goal and work on specific touches. The following is an exercise that will help players develop “first touch” and the art of “receiving” the ball.
Using the mechanics learned in programs 1 & 2 make the ball work for you. When juggling it is not the number of touches but what you do with those touches that counts. MASTER IT!
Three touch and a knock: Juggle the ball three times and then kick it 10 to 15 feet in the air, control the ball with one soft touch, trying to keep that touch below your waist. Continue the juggle and use one to two touches to adjust and compose yourself, then knock it 10 to 15 feet in the air again. Repeat this process. Work on controlling the ball with your first touch after you have "knocked" it into the air, then use the other touches to manipulate the ball so you can "knock" it accurately into the air again. Progress to a three touch rotation (Knock -control- touch - knock, repeat..) and then a two touch knock-control-knock, repeat) This exercise will help to develop "first touch".
Juggling at a consistent height: With each touch, juggle ball to the same height, 2 to 3 feet above your head, making sure to alternate feet with each touch. It is important to use good footwork to position yourself for each touch so that you are consistently touching the ball in your sweet spot. Start with a bounce between touches to increase the success rate. The bounce will save frustration and enable you to get a feel for the exercise leading to a faster progression.
The goal: To eliminate the bounce. To touch the ball so it reaches a consistent height. To juggle in a confined space employing both goals mentioned above or... To juggle while moving in a pre determined pattern. Side to side, zig-zag, figure eight, or over your head to reverse direction. Knock it higher to work on touch, timing, and striking the ball.
To make juggling more intersting and to develop a skill set that translates easily into game play players should have a goal and work on specific touches. The following is an exercise that will help players develop “first touch” and the art of “receiving” the ball.
Using the mechanics learned in programs 1 & 2 make the ball work for you. When juggling it is not the number of touches but what you do with those touches that counts. MASTER IT!
Three touch and a knock: Juggle the ball three times and then kick it 10 to 15 feet in the air, control the ball with one soft touch, trying to keep that touch below your waist. Continue the juggle and use one to two touches to adjust and compose yourself, then knock it 10 to 15 feet in the air again. Repeat this process. Work on controlling the ball with your first touch after you have "knocked" it into the air, then use the other touches to manipulate the ball so you can "knock" it accurately into the air again. Progress to a three touch rotation (Knock -control- touch - knock, repeat..) and then a two touch knock-control-knock, repeat) This exercise will help to develop "first touch".
Juggling at a consistent height: With each touch, juggle ball to the same height, 2 to 3 feet above your head, making sure to alternate feet with each touch. It is important to use good footwork to position yourself for each touch so that you are consistently touching the ball in your sweet spot. Start with a bounce between touches to increase the success rate. The bounce will save frustration and enable you to get a feel for the exercise leading to a faster progression.
The goal: To eliminate the bounce. To touch the ball so it reaches a consistent height. To juggle in a confined space employing both goals mentioned above or... To juggle while moving in a pre determined pattern. Side to side, zig-zag, figure eight, or over your head to reverse direction. Knock it higher to work on touch, timing, and striking the ball.
This entry was posted by BrasilianFutebol, on
Tuesday, February 12, 2008.
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