Teaching football technique  /  Topic 3 of 10
Mastery of the ball · 3 techniques

Juggling

3 short technique videos, each with a challenge players can repeat to measure their progress.

By Terry Barton, founder of The Coaching Manual and 15 years in coach education · Updated October 2026

Juggling is hard. It helps players gain real mastery of the ball and improves overall ball control and coordination.

Learning to juggle also helps players develop determination and resilience.

The techniques

Watch the technique, teach the coaching points, then set the challenge.

01

Juggling - Feet Only

Keep the ball off the floor using only your feet. This develops coordination and agility as well as expert control. Try to keep the ball below head height.

Coaching points

  • Use different parts of your feet
  • Stay on your toes
  • Use both feet
02

Juggling - Thighs Only

Harder than it looks. Players need to be light on their feet and very focused on meeting the ball with the top of the thigh.

Coaching points

  • Keep the ball below head height
  • Make sure the ball hits the middle of your thigh
  • Keep your hips in line with the ball
  • Stay on your toes so you can move quickly
03

Juggling on the Move

Raising the difficulty. Use the feet or thighs, but move around a space while you juggle.

Coaching points

  • Use your laces to juggle the ball
  • Keep the ball below head height
  • Keep on the move

Track progress in the app

Every technique and challenge lives in The Coaching Manual app. Players record their scores, coaches see who is improving, and clubs get the whole programme alongside sessions and season plans.