If your child plays soccer in Charleston or Mount Pleasant, they’re growing up in one of the most competitive youth soccer areas in South Carolina. Between strong rec leagues, competitive club teams, and year-round tournaments, players here develop quickly.
But there’s one thing that separates average players from confident ones:
Ball control.
Today we’re breaking down two freestyle skills that build balance, coordination, and fine motor control — Around the World (ATW) and Hop Around the World.
These aren’t just tricks. They build real touch.
Why Charleston Players Should Train Ball Control at Home
In Mount Pleasant and Charleston, kids often train multiple days per week with teams. But the players who improve the fastest are the ones who also train on their own — in the backyard, at the park, or even in a driveway.
You don’t need a full field at Patriots Point or a club practice session to improve. You just need a ball and 10 minutes.
Skills like Around the World sharpen:
- Foot-eye coordination
- Balance
- Timing
- Soft first touch
Those skills show up during games — especially in tight spaces.
How to Do an Around the World (ATW)
Helpful Video on how to learn the ATW…
What Is It?
Around the World is when you juggle the ball up and swing your foot completely around it before kicking it again.
It looks impressive. But it’s really about control and timing.
Step-by-Step for Kids
- Start juggling with your stronger foot.
- Kick the ball slightly higher than normal (not too high).
- Quickly move your foot in a full circle around the ball.
- Catch the ball again with the same foot before it drops.
Coaching Tips
- Keep the ball close to your body.
- Move your foot fast — not the ball.
- Practice the circle motion without the ball first.
Most kids in Charleston will need dozens of attempts before landing one clean. That’s normal.
How to Do Hop the World (HTW)
Helpful Video on how to do the HTW…
This is the next level. It’s more advanced and takes better balance.
Step-by-Step
- Juggle the ball up with your strong foot.
- Jump off your other foot.
- While you’re in the air, circle your strong foot around the ball.
- Land and control the ball.
Important
Do not rush into this move. Make sure your regular Around the World feels comfortable first.
HTW builds:
- Core strength
- Air balance
- Quick reaction timing
These are skills that help during real match play — especially in competitive Mount Pleasant and Charleston leagues.
10-Minute Charleston Skill Plan
This works before dinner, after school, or on weekends.
3 minutes – juggling
3 minutes – practice the circle motion
4 minutes – full Around the World attempts
When you can land 5 clean ATWs in a row, start trying the hop version.
Consistency matters more than long workouts.
Why This Matters in Charleston & Mount Pleasant
Youth soccer in the Lowcountry continues to grow. As competition increases, basic skills aren’t enough anymore. Players who develop comfort on the ball early gain confidence that shows up during games, tryouts, and tournaments.
Around the World soccer skills isn’t just a freestyle trick. It trains the small muscles in the feet and ankles that control touch. That fine motor control helps when receiving passes, dribbling in tight spaces, or staying calm under pressure.
And that’s what separates good players from confident ones.
Thoughts
You don’t need a big field.
You don’t need fancy equipment.
You just need repetition.
If you’re a soccer player in Charleston or Mount Pleasant who wants to level up, start with control. Start with 10 minutes. Start today.





