I believe that ball juggling is vital in the development of soccer players. As we all know pressure and shrinking space are the real challenges to players in todays fast moving game of soccer. Not only do players have to be perfect in ball control, but need to do it quickly before getting closed down by opponents. Juggling is the daily habit that accompanies the game of soccer. The art of Speed Juggling is the new daily habit that directly reflects on today's game-- It gives you the ability to handle a ball quickly under pressure, and with control. As old and as popular as soccer is one would think that this very important element SPEED, would be at the core of the sport's most important developmental habit--JUGGLING. Even marathon runners try to get to the finish line first by practicing speed drills.

The U.S. has been behind in the game for years -- yes, we are catching up, but we have caught up to the habits of the 1970's and early 1980's. Today's game has moved further forward and our coaches need to stay abreast with the times by introducing and teaching habits and skills that will make our players competitive in today's game. This means we have to think beyond traditional trends and come up with more creative, innovative and unique ideas to help us catch up and also help us take this game where no man has ever been before. Speed Juggling is the most obvious developmental step in that direction. Part of my efforts in bringing Speed Juggling to the forefront of soccer in America is to lobby Guinness Superlatives to establish a record in their publication. This will give all soccer players an ultimate goal to strive for. National , regional and local records also help our youth measure themselves against the best. In the very least, speed juggling is a very good habit for any aspiring young soccer player to be hooked on.

As a Ghanaian, I know that most young soccer players in West Africa can not only juggle, but more importantly, Speed Juggle. One only need to look at Ghana and Nigeria's international youth achievements in recent years to attest to the fact that Africa is no longer a sleeping giant in world football. They are masters of the ball with tremendous speed and quickness.

Speed Juggling is fairly easy to learn but it requires a particular technique that can be taught. They need to see it to believe it. All of my students are beginning to get the hang of speed juggling and as a result, are seeing direct improvements in their control of the ball and in their overall game. As part of any developmental program, Speed Juggling is an important developmental habit that will propel our players to the next level. The question "how many can you juggle?", is now "how quickly can you juggle?". Who is who at Ferdie's Soccer Magic Academy is determined by this activity. We put Speed Juggling results from camp on the web for the world to see and challenge.

At Ferdie's Soccer Magic we are very excited that this activity is finally recognized by The Guinness Book of Records, thus the world. Good Luck in trying to become a World Champ.