Coaching Youth Soccer - Juggling in Pairs

Juggling is very important to the development of youth soccer athletes and teaches players how to control the ball and improves touch with all body parts. As a Youth Soccer Coach, finding fun activities in order to teach the art of juggling is very important. One game to teach juggling is to have soccer players juggle in pairs.

To coach youth soccer players to juggle in pairs, simply have t players stand facing each other. Have one player start with juggling the soccer ball a couple times before playing the ball to the other player. That player then juggles the ball a couple times before passing the ball back to the starting player. Any part of the body can be used except for the hands or arms. Do not allow the ball to touch the ground and have the players count the number of times the ball is successfully played between the two players.

Depending on the age and skill level of the youth soccer players, you might allow the ball to bounce once on the ground during the pass to the other player. For more advanced players don't allow the player to use the same part of the of the body touch the ball more than 2-3 times in a row. Once they have mastered juggling in pairs, have the players play in one touch to each other in the air without the ball touching the ground.

As a youth soccer coach, make sure each player is making soft precise touches and make sure they are giving their partner a playable ball. Teach each player to be on the balls of their feet in anticipation for the ball. Also instruct the players to attempt to keep the ball below their head close to their body and in a relaxed body position.