Effective soccer players have excellent foot skills. Kicking, passing, shooting and trapping require disciplined foot movements and a good understanding of how the ball reacts to the strength and angle of a kick. While few players ever find it necessary to keep the ball in the air during a game, repeatedly kicking a ball without letting it touch the ground is an effective way to develop ball-handling skills. Juggling is the common term for this activity. Advanced players can juggle for long periods of time without dropping the ball.
Step 1
Find a large, flat area that is free of any debris or objects that could trip or distract you while you're juggling.
Step 2
Drop the ball onto your thigh or foot to begin juggling.
Step 3
Kick the ball slightly so that it goes straight up in the air. The goal is to kick it hard enough to allow you to get into position to kick it again, but not so hard that you can't reach it in time.
Step 4
Use your knees, thighs or feet to kick the ball upward repeatedly. If you use your feet, contact the ball with the laced portion of your shoe, not the point of your toes. Kicking with your laces helps you hit the ball consistently and evenly.
Step 5
Repeat the process after you drop the ball, which will happen often if you're a beginner. Juggling is difficult, so practice regularly to develop your foot skills.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep track of the number of times you kick the ball without dropping it. Challenge yourself by trying to beat your high score. An effective way to practice juggling is to work with others. Form a circle with some of your friends. Juggle the ball by yourself for as long as you can. At some point, you'll lose control, and the ball will head towards a friend. That friend then starts juggling, and the ball moves around the circle, allowing everyone to get some juggling practice.
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