Learning to Juggle a Soccer Ball by Kaylee

Learning to Juggle a Soccer Ball by Kaylee - April 2026 Scholarship Essay

I have played soccer almost my entire life, and it has always been a very big passion of mine. I am committed to play Division III soccer at Huntingdon College starting in fall 2026, and I have been playing club soccer since I was in 8th grade. So since I have been playing at such an elite level and I am about to excel to an even higher level, it would be assumed that I can juggle a soccer ball, right? Well don't always assume, because even though I have played since I could walk, I have yet to learn how to juggle a soccer ball.

I figured since I am going to be playing with women who are more experienced than me, older than me, and probably more skilled than me, the least I could do is learn how to juggle a soccer ball so I can be included in fun games such as soccer tennis and juggling circles. Most professional coaches won't recruit players who lack basic technical skills such as juggling because it is a big part of team bonding and overall ball control. If you are on a team where you are unable to bond, how are you supposed to play effectively together? So I have decided that it is time to learn. One way that I have found helpful to master this skill is practicing it for at least thirty minutes a day. Whether it’s by myself in my backyard, or before practice with my friends in a juggling circle, I make sure that I get touches on the ball every single day. It has been proven by many credible sources that the number one way to get better at something is to practice consistently, so that’s what I've been doing.

Another method that I have found helpful to mastering this skill is by learning it in small steps. Instead of automatically jumping into juggling, you can practice by letting the ball bounce, then kicking it, then letting it bounce again, and so forth. This method helps you develop control and understand the basic movement needed to perfect juggling the ball. After mastering this, you can move onto continuous juggling. I have used this method during my practice sessions and I believe that it has helped me greatly.

Overall, learning how to juggle a soccer ball may seem like a small skill, but it is a crucial step to my overall development as a player. By practicing consistently and breaking the skill down into manageable steps, I am building both confidence and technical ability. As I prepare to compete at the collegiate level, I understand that even the smallest improvements can go such a long way, and will make a big difference in my performance and how I connect with my future teammates.