Players who reach 100, 250, 500 or 1000 juggles are recognized on the “Keep It Up” page of the VA Rush website as well as the National Rush Juggling Page, and receive a “Keep It Up” Juggling bag tag for their achievements.
What is Juggling? Juggling is the act of keeping the ball off the ground. For soccer players, this means using any part of your body (laces, thigh, chest and head) to maintain control of the ball in the air without using your HANDS!! If you haven’t juggled before, try the following: Hold the ball out in front of yourself. Now, drop the ball onto either your laces or thigh, and knock it back into your hands. Once you get a feel for this, try to do it two or three times in a row without using your hands!
Why Juggle? Because juggling can significantly improve your game in many different ways! Your touch on the ball is vital to the game of soccer. If you can juggle the ball consistently, you are more likely to be consistent when receiving and distributing the ball in games. It’s a great way for you to learn how the ball reacts to different touches and surfaces. Juggling can also improve your confidence on the ball – not to mention, it is fun!!!
When to Juggle? The best part about juggling is that you can do it almost anywhere and all it takes is YOU and YOUR BALL!! The most effective way to achieve your juggling goals is to PRACTICE ON YOUR OWN! Beating your score and challenging yourself are important keys to improving your game. Juggling a soccer ball with feet, thighs or head is an excellent activity for both beginners and advanced players alike. It’s a great warm-up activity and you will notice that after only a few minutes, your heart rate rises and muscles become warm and loose.
JUGGLING CLUB PROCEDURES
Most importantly, NO BOUNCES AND NO HANDS! The honor system will be followed. Let your coach know when you reach 100 or more juggles in a row by completing and turning in the Juggling Verification Form available to download below. A coach or parent will need to verify your completion of juggles by signing off on your form. Your coach will then turn in your Verification Form to the appropriate Rush employee. Then your name will be published on the “Keep It Up” page of the VA Rush website as well as the National Rush Juggling Page, and you will receive your bag tag according to the level you achieved.