A method for actuating a needle bar in a needling machine includes the actuation of a first oscillating drive at a first frequency, the first oscillating drive having a main conrod connected directly or indirectly to the needle bar, and simultaneously the actuation of a second oscillating drive at a second frequency, the second oscillating drive having a secondary conrod connected directly or indirectly to the needle bar, the movements of the needle bar produced by the first and second oscillating drives being superimposed on each other and the second frequency being higher than the first frequency.