Speed Juggling:
A New concept in Soccer Skills Development
by Ferdie Adoboe

What is Speed Juggling?
Speed Juggling is a new developmental habit that inherently teaches a player the ability to handle the ball quickly, under pressure, and with control. A player juggles a soccer ball on their foot as many times as possible in thirty seconds. It is a way of juggling a soccer ball that directly reflects the demands of today's quicker, faster, more controlled game.

Origins:
Ferdie Adoboe conceived speed Juggling as part of his Ferdie’s Soccer Magic skills program. Like most of his teaching concepts, Speed Juggling was derived from a popular childhood habit in his native country Ghana (where he developed as a player), and transformed into a developmental skill that he teaches to give today's youth an exceptional relationship with the ball. Without much surprise, the original form of juggling on one leg is most common in Africa and South America where players like Diego Maradona and Abedi Pele grew up practicing it. Today we all know what those players can do with a soccer ball. Ferdie Adoboe combined the concept of speed and quickness with that form to create Speed Juggling for today’s player. In December 1996, Ferdie's Soccer Magic established the First Annual National Speed Juggling competition in Ghana to institutionalize the concept, though it was very short-lived. In 1999, the Guinness book of world records endorsed Speed Juggling and it’s developmental benefits to the world game of football (soccer) by establishing it as a new category for competition. Aspiring young soccer players around the world can now be engaged in this highly beneficial skill to compete, and at the same time improve their game. Ferdie, now living in Amherst, MA where he founded Ferdie’s Soccer Magic is bringing his innovative concepts on skills development to the American youth.

How is Speed Juggling different from traditional juggling?
Traditional juggling is a low-pressure activity, i.e. if you can imagine an average professional player just juggling, he or she would look rather comfortable and relaxed. Speed juggling however, is a high-pressure activity because the player is put under pressure by a clock to hurry their touches. Speed Juggling simulates the demands and pressure of today’s game, which is played at a much faster pace than just five years ago. This means players not only have to be flawless in their technique and skill, they must be able to execute them quickly. Speed Juggling triples a players touches on the ball thus helping them understand and master the ball in a shorter period of time.

Why should I Speed Juggle and why is it good for me?
Juggling is the most important daily habit and practice that accompany the game of soccer. All good soccer players can juggle, and juggling helps a good soccer player become a better soccer player. Speed Juggling adds quickness and fast footwork to your touch. Speed Juggling develops muscles and turns them into fast-twitch muscles because of continuous contractions in the legs, leading to quicker reaction times. Speed Juggling helps players develop better balance and coordination. Speed Juggling is perhaps the finest most delicate skill in the game of soccer. In addition, it is now one of only a few ways a soccer player can get their name in the Guinness book of records.

As we approach the next millennium, and the popularity of the game continues to soar, particularly in the U.S., a good player will no longer be one with skills but one with skills, speed, quickness and breathtaking control. It is with such foresight that I introduce you to Speed Juggling- soccer’s developmental habit for 2000 and beyond. Henceforth, it is not how many you can juggle, but how fast you can juggle. Speed Juggling is quick, fun, and better for your game. So, work at it, have fun with it and you will win.

How do I Find out about learning to speed juggle?
Speed juggling is one of the innovative concepts taught at FSM. Ferdie's Soccer Magic is a year-round; fulltime institution dedicated to youth soccer skills development. We focus 100% on individual ball skills through our summer camps, winter classes, clinics and programs for Clubs and Associations worldwide. For more unique ideas on development, visit us at www.soccer-magic.com.
Email: ferdie@soccer-magic.com