subject: Soccer Drills: Who Else Want To Do Juggling [print this page] Lets understand it! All soccer drills are incomplete without a comprehensive session on Juggling. It is essential that each soccer player gets trained on this basic skill of the game. It is also an excellent activity for both the beginners as well as advanced users. Related soccer exercises involve the use of players feet, thighs, and head to deal with the ball.
As a warm-up activity, its usefulness can be gauged from the fact that only after 10 minutes of juggling, the players feel their heart rate increasing and the muscles also become warm enough.
Players get to find out the skill of controlling the ball along with the close ball skills by using juggling. The logic of manipulating and controlling the ball in the midst of an opposite attack are developed as a result. Last but not the least, players develop confidence through juggling that makes them relax with the ball (a vital quality required for successful attack).
Through soccer practice, players tend to develop their unique styles by practicing juggling alone. A handful of following tips will be of some use to you being the coach.
When juggling with the foot, teach the players to use the top of the foot or the laces. The legs must be sufficiently relaxed and the foot bent when it makes contact with the ball. Instruct them to hold the arms out a little so that they can maintain balance.
When using the thighs to juggle, teach them to bring the knee up so that the upper leg is horizontal. Help them understand that the contact with the ball should be made on the top of the thigh. It is important that they keep the body bent backwards slightly and keep the arms out so as to maintain balance.
To juggle with the head is a difficult thing to accomplish for the kids. Although, it is crucial for them to practice it during the soccer drills. It needs the players to judge the correct angle to bring the forehead in contact with the ball. The head should be held adequately higher so that the eyes face the sky. The legs should be curved a little and straightened up every time a contact with the ball is achieved.
As supplementary to these soccer training techniques, ask the players to use shoulders, outside of the heels, and the back of the neck also. In certain unforeseen circumstances, it becomes vital to use these contact points. The young players should get a feel of the ball on their laces as this is the area that will be used most to kick the ball.
To finish off, it is necessary to highlight the factors of rhythm and balance. These are crucial in juggling the ball and must be practiced. Coach the players to relax and foresee the movement of the ball. After adequate practice, they will be able to juggle perfectly.
Now go ahead and show some juggling soccer drills to your kids. Our youth soccer coaching community is a treasure house of articles, tips and videos on juggling. Become a member today and enrich the skills of your players.
