Juggling and ball mastery are where great technique begins. Every touch a player takes on their own, whether keeping the ball in the air or moving it with the sole, inside and outside of the foot, builds the coordination and confidence that show up in games. This guide gathers our best posts on juggling, flicks and ball mastery, along with inspiring examples from some of the most skillful players in the world.
For young players, juggling is a perfect solo challenge. It can be done in a backyard or driveway, progress is easy to measure, and each new record is a small victory. For coaches and parents, juggling and ball mastery offer a simple way to give players thousands of extra touches outside of team practice. Better touch leads to better control, passing, dribbling and shooting.
Start with the “Start here” list to learn a clear progression. Then explore the themed sections for drills, challenges and star examples. Use the weekly routine to keep improving, and track your juggling record so you can see your progress over time.
Start here
- The Coerver Juggling Progression: a step-by-step progression that takes players from first juggles to steady control.
- Soccer Juggling Progression: more ways to build your juggling skills one stage at a time.
- Soccer Ball Mastery at Home: simple ball mastery work you can do in a small space.
- How to Flick the Soccer Ball Up in the Air: learn the flick-ups that start a juggling session in style.
- Off the Wall Juggling in Soccer: use a wall to get more touches and sharpen your control.
Juggling Drills and Challenges
Challenges keep juggling fun and give players a goal to chase every time they pick up a ball.
- Zidane Juggling Off the Wall: see how Zidane uses a wall to work on his touch.
- How Many Times Can You Juggle a Tennis Ball?: take on a tougher challenge with a smaller ball.
- Soccer Team Juggling Drill: a juggling drill coaches can run with a whole team.
- Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets Show You How to Juggle the Soccer Ball: pick up juggling ideas from three great midfielders.
- Messi and Alves Long Distance Juggling: try a partner juggling challenge across a distance.
- Billy Wingrove’s Learn Freestyle Football: explore freestyle tricks that build creative touch.
Learn From the Stars
Many of the world’s best players grew up juggling for hours. Their examples show what consistent practice can produce.
- Young Lionel Messi Juggling the Soccer Ball: watch a young Messi show off his early touch.
- Ronaldinho Juggling Skills: enjoy the creativity of one of soccer’s great entertainers.
- Heung-min Son Juggled for Four Hours: learn what Son’s dedication to juggling says about practice.
- Kaka: 73 Juggles in 30 Seconds: see a fast-paced juggling challenge you can try yourself.
- Gary Lineker’s Maradona Juggling Story: hear a story about Maradona’s remarkable touch.
- Neymar Crazy Juggling Skills: watch Neymar’s playful juggling and borrow a few ideas.
Flicks and Juggling in Games
Juggling skills can turn into match-winning moments, from flicks over defenders to goals scored without the ball touching the ground.
- The Art of the Rainbow Flick: understand the technique behind soccer’s most famous flick.
- Neymar Rainbow Flick: see the rainbow flick used in a real match.
- Zidane Heel Flick: watch Zidane’s touch on a clever heel flick.
- Greatest Soccer Juggle Goals of All Time: enjoy goals where juggling skill set up the finish.
- Dennis Bergkamp Juggle Goal Versus Leicester City: see how Bergkamp used close control in the air to score.
How to practice
- Spend five minutes on ball mastery every day: sole rolls, toe taps and inside-outside touches with both feet.
- Juggle with one bounce allowed between touches, then remove the bounce as control improves.
- Alternate feet on every touch, then add thighs and, later, the head.
- Do one wall juggling session per week, playing the ball off the wall and controlling it before it lands.
- Set a weekly juggling goal and record your best score so you can track your progress.
The Coerver approach
Ball mastery is the foundation of the Coerver Coaching method. Players begin with simple, repeated touches on the ball with every surface of both feet, building coordination and confidence through daily practice. Juggling follows a clear progression, so players experience success early and keep improving. Once the ball feels comfortable, players carry that touch into moves, 1v1 duels and small-group games under pressure. The aim is not tricks for their own sake but complete control of the ball in any game situation.
FAQ
How can I get better at juggling a soccer ball?
Start with one bounce between touches, keep your ankle locked and the toe slightly up, and practice a little every day. Small daily sessions work better than long, rare ones.
Does juggling help you play better soccer?
Yes. Juggling improves touch, balance and coordination, which help with first touch, control in the air and confidence on the ball.
What is ball mastery in soccer?
Ball mastery is a set of repeated touches with all surfaces of both feet, done in place or on the move, that helps players control the ball comfortably under pressure.