The Top Ten Reasons Why Every Soccer Player Should Learn to Juggle

A players touch and feel for the ball is vital in the game of soccer and one of the best ways to improve these skills is by learning to juggle a soccer ball.

Whether they are new to the sport of soccer or have been playing for many years juggling is a skill every player should learn. Here are the reasons why:

1. Ball Control: To properly juggle a soccer ball a player must keep it close to the body. In doing so they learn to control the ball.

2. Dexterity: Juggling can help a player develop foot and eye coordination which will translate to better control and speed on the field.

3. Balance: Most juggling is performed with one foot planted on the ground while the other foot typically controls the ball off the ground. This helps players develop balance on and off the field.

4. Positioning: A players position to the ball is important whether on the field during a match or juggling. By learning correct positioning a player learns to keep the ball close and under control.

5. Increased Concentration: Losing concentration while juggling or during a match means losing the ball. Juggling helps players focus on the ball and what they are doing.

6. Flexibility & Strength: Juggling often requires a player to twist or turn their body to maintain control of the ball. This helps to increase the players flexibility and since juggling requires movement it helps build strength through exercise.

7. Anticipation: Sometimes the ball doesn't go where you expect no matter how controlled you keep it. Juggling helps players to anticipate the ball which translates to quicker decision making on the field.

8. Swiftness: Keeping the ball close and under control requires a player to react quickly. This helps to create speed with the ball.

9. Motivation & Determination: Players are often determined to see how long thy can juggle the ball before it touches the ground. This motivates them to keep going.

10. Confidence: The most important reason of all, juggling increases a players confidence with the ball by teaching them control of their body and the ball.

So why should a player learn to juggle a soccer ball? Simply put it helps a player to develop and hone their skills with the ball which translates to a more confidence and creative play on the field.

Rich Diacont is the vice president of a local soccer club. He has coached youth soccer and recently released a game that teaches players ball control though juggling. [http://www.jugglenationnow.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3378020