From Zero to 100 Juggles: Tips for Young Soccer Players

When parents and young players ask me about achieving their first 100 juggles, I always start with the fundamentals. Even for a 10-year-old who loves the game and practices regularly, proper technique is the foundation for success.

Starting with Assessment

The first step in our training process is always observation. We need to see how players currently approach juggling, as many young athletes haven't yet learned the correct foot positioning. This initial assessment helps us identify specific areas for improvement.

1. The Importance of Ready Position

One of the most common mistakes I see is players standing straight up, dropping the ball, and simply kicking at it. The proper ready position involves several key elements:

• Hinged hips
• Bent knees
• Weight on the toes
• Locked foot position (this is crucial!)

2. Mastering Foot Position

The "locked foot" technique is perhaps the most critical element. This means:

• Pointing your toes downward
• Lifting your foot slightly higher than you might naturally do
• Maintaining consistent foot control throughout the motion

Many players struggle because they either don't raise their foot enough or fail to lock their foot properly, resulting in poor technique and inconsistent touches.

3. The Path to Progress

Once players grasp the proper technique, improvement often follows a predictable pattern:

1. Initial practice period (1-2 weeks) focusing on proper form
2. Regular practice sessions (10-15 minutes daily)
3. Rapid improvement once mind-body connection is established

Key Juggling Takeaways

• Proper technique trumps repetition in the early stages
• Consistent daily practice (10-15 minutes) is essential
• Initial progress may be slow, but improvement accelerates once proper form is mastered
• The mind-body connection is crucial for long-term success

Remember, while reaching 100 juggles might seem daunting at first, with proper technique and consistent practice, most young players can achieve this goal surprisingly quickly. The key is focusing on form before attempting to increase numbers.

Want to accelerate your progress? Book a session with our elite coaches who can provide personalized feedback on your technique and help you achieve your juggling goals faster.

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