Keepy uppies are frustrating for many footballers. If you struggle with keepy uppies, you are likely not the only one. The good news is that players that work hard on them can improve over time. Keepy uppies improve a player’s ball control skills. They also force players to concentrate.
Practising keepy uppies can improve more than just control skills and concentration. So, why do the juggling practice? It is rather simple in the end. In a previous blog, we touched on why keepy uppy practice is important. Now, let us look further into the practice.
Improving ball skills
Keepy uppy practice has been used for decades by players to improve and develop ball skills. It is such an easy practice to do. A player simply needs a ball. Although you may get frustrated, you can spend hours practicing keepy uppies in the back garden driveway or, if your good, your living room.
Don’t expect too much, too soon
Keepy uppy juggling is not easy. If it was, then everyone would be able to do it. It is easy to get discouraged right off the bat as you work on your touch. Over time, the mistakes will become fewer and you will grow in confidence doing the practice. You start out simply doing one keepy uppy before letting the ball hit the ground and bouncing back up. As you build up your skills you don’t have to let the ball bounce. It may take time for you to be comfortable with the ball not hitting the ground in between touches.
Remember, professional players don’t do keepy uppies just to pass the time before training or matches. The practice is done to improve foot-eye coordination and touch. If you need help learning to do a keepy uppy practice, here are some tips.
1. Use your strong foot first, kick the ball so that it comes up to your waist and catch it. Repeat this until you get a good and perform an accurate motion.
2. Repeat step 1 with your weak foot. Try to kick the ball to the same height as your waist. Repeat this you get the motion consistent and accurate. Begin to mix up kicks using both feet.
3. Now, try to use both feet, strong then weak, and then catch the ball. Once you’re comfortable with both feet doing two kick-ups, try it with three, four, five, etc.
Keep practising keepy-uppies and it will get easier. You will also improve your touch and other match skills.