How to Balance a Soccer Ball on Your Foot

In soccer, the more control you have over the ball and your body, the more successful will be. You should develop enough body control to balance a soccer ball on your foot. It may not be that useful in game play (unless you're taunting the other team) but it is impressive.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Soccer ball
• Cleats (optional)
• Shin guards (optional)

1. Place the soccer ball at the base of your feet.
2. Select the foot to balance the ball on. Start with your dominant foot, as you will have more control over it. Once you've mastered the dominant foot, you can move onto the other foot.
3. Roll the ball up onto your foot. Place your foot loosely on top of the soccer ball. Then pull your foot back quickly so that back spin is created. Simultaneously move your foot so that it is under the ball.
4. Arch your ankle up so that you create a little cradle between your shin and the end of your foot.
5. Raise your foot off the ground, slowly balancing the soccer ball in the cradle.
6. Slowly extend your foot so that it is again parallel to the ground.
7. Find a sense of balance with the ball on your foot and hold it there as long as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice this move while wearing your cleats and shin guards. This will help you simulate game play so you can adjust the balancing accordingly to the equipment you'll be wearing.
• Once you balance the ball, start juggling the ball. In soccer, juggling is when you bounce the ball off different parts of your body (except your hands) without the ball hitting the ground.