How to Play Soccer - Juggling a Soccer Ball - Why Bother?

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Learning to juggle a soccer ball takes a lot of time and practice, is very entertaining to watch and appreciate someone with great soccer ball juggling skills, but why do players bother?  If you are learning how to play soccer, shouldn't you focus on skills that you will use in the game?

Well there are two reasons, the first is that it is fun and challenging, and learning a new juggling move, or beating your previous record is something that you can do on your own, in a small space and you only need a ball! When you can finally keep the ball in the air get past the elusive 100 barrier, you will have kept yourself entertained for some time and have great bragging rights over your friends.

The second reason is more soccer related and is that being able to juggle a soccer ball, whilst not used a lot in a soccer game is the best way to improve that all important first touch and give you great confidence when receiving the ball. As a player, you are normally in one of three situation.

1 You do not have the ball and need to get it.

2. You have the ball and need to do something with it.

The transition between 1 and 2 is where learning how to juggle will help give you an advantage over your opponents. That transition is ,of course, when you are receiving the ball.

When you receive the ball, whether from a team mate or opponent, your main decision is

"What do I want to do with the ball next?"

After you decide what to do with the ball next, you need to get the ball into the best position for that, and that is exactly where juggling will help you!

Being able to receive the ball effectively and get the ball under control and where you want it is just one aspect of the game, but is vital to give you the edge over your opposition.

It will take time, and repetition is the key to success, so the sooner you start, the sooner you will have developed a great first touch, and juggling is a vital part of learning how to play soccer.

So, get out there and learn How to juggle a soccer ball.

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