Soccer Drills for First Touch: Improve Your Ball Control

Soccer is a sport that requires a lot of technical skills, one of which is first touch. A good first touch can make a huge difference in a player’s performance on the field. It allows the player to control the ball and make quick decisions, giving them an advantage over their opponents. That’s why it’s important for soccer players to practice drills that improve their first touch.

There are many different drills that can help soccer players improve their first touch. Some drills focus on stationary trapping and passing, while others involve movement and agility. The key is to find drills that are challenging but also fun and engaging, so that players are motivated to practice and improve.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced soccer player, incorporating first touch drills into your training routine can help you take your game to the next level. By improving your first touch, you’ll be able to control the ball more effectively, make better passes, and create more scoring opportunities for yourself and your team.

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Why First Touch is Important

First touch is a crucial aspect of soccer that can make or break a player’s performance. It refers to the initial contact a player makes with the ball after receiving a pass, controlling a long ball, or taking a shot. The quality of the first touch can have a significant impact on the outcome of the game.

Having a good first touch can help players maintain possession, create scoring opportunities, and avoid turnovers. A player with a strong first touch can quickly move the ball away from defenders and into space, giving them more time and options to make a play. On the other hand, a poor first touch can result in a loss of possession, missed opportunities, and even conceding goals.

As players progress to higher levels of soccer, the game becomes faster and more competitive. In these situations, the ability to control the ball with a single touch can make all the difference. Players with a strong first touch can move the ball quickly and efficiently, allowing them to stay ahead of the game and make better decisions on the field.

Overall, the importance of first touch cannot be overstated. It is an essential skill that every soccer player must master to succeed at the highest level. By focusing on improving their first touch, players can take their game to the next level and become more effective and efficient on the field.

Basic Drills for First Touch

Stationary Drills

Stationary drills are a great way to improve your first touch without having to move around too much. These drills can be done alone or with a partner, and they require only a ball and a small amount of space. Here are a few basic stationary drills:

• Wall Passes: Stand about 5-10 feet away from a wall and pass the ball back and forth with the wall. Focus on controlling the ball with your first touch and passing it back accurately.
• Cone Touches: Set up a few cones in a line and practice controlling the ball with one touch as you move down the line. Try to keep the ball close to your feet and under control.
• Inside/Outside Touches: Juggle the ball in place and alternate between using the inside and outside of your foot to control the ball. This will help you develop a more well-rounded first touch.

Moving Drills

Moving drills are designed to help you improve your first touch while on the move. These drills require a bit more space and can be done alone or with a partner. Here are a few basic moving drills:

• Pass and Move: Set up cones or markers to create a small grid and practice passing the ball to a partner and moving to receive the ball back. Focus on controlling the ball with your first touch and passing it back accurately.
• Three Cone Drill: Set up three cones in a triangle and practice moving between them while controlling the ball with your first touch. Try to keep the ball close to your feet and under control.
• Box Drill: Set up four cones to create a box and practice moving around the box while controlling the ball with your first touch. Try to keep the ball close to your feet and under control.

By practicing these basic drills regularly, you can improve your first touch and become a more skilled soccer player. Remember to focus on controlling the ball with your first touch and passing it back accurately, and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself with more advanced drills as you improve.

Advanced Drills for First Touch

Partner Drills

Partner drills are an excellent way to improve your first touch in a controlled environment. One effective drill is the “one-touch wall pass.” Stand facing a wall with your partner standing behind you. Pass the ball against the wall with your first touch, and your partner should receive it with their first touch and pass it back to the wall for you to receive with your second touch. Repeat this drill, alternating between left and right foot, for a set amount of time. Another partner drill is the “two-touch pass and move.” Stand facing your partner with a ball between you. Pass the ball to your partner with your first touch, and they should pass it back to you with their first touch. Then, move to the right or left with your second touch, and your partner should follow you. Repeat this drill, alternating between left and right foot, for a set amount of time.

Small-Sided Games

Small-sided games are a fun and effective way to improve your first touch in a game-like situation. One game to try is “keep-away.” Divide into two teams, with one team having possession of the ball. The objective is for the team with possession to keep the ball away from the other team for as long as possible. The team without the ball should try to win possession back as quickly as possible. This game requires quick thinking and good first touch skills to keep possession of the ball. Another game to try is “three-touch.” This game is played with two teams and a small field. The objective is for each team to score a goal by passing the ball between their players and into the opposing team’s goal. Each player is only allowed three touches of the ball before they must pass it to a teammate. This game requires good first touch skills to control the ball and set up passes to teammates. Incorporating these advanced drills and small-sided games into your soccer training routine can help improve your first touch skills and overall performance on the field. Remember to practice consistently and focus on improving your weaker foot as well.

Tips for Improving First Touch

First touch is an essential skill for any soccer player. It can make the difference between keeping possession or losing the ball to the opposition. Here are some tips to help you improve your first touch:

• Practice regularly: The more you practice, the better you will get. Set aside time for specific first touch drills and exercises, and work on your technique until it becomes second nature.
• Focus on your body position: Your body position is crucial when it comes to controlling the ball. Make sure you are balanced with your knees bent, and your weight evenly distributed.
• Use the right part of your foot: Depending on the situation, you may need to use the inside, outside, or sole of your foot to control the ball. Practice using all parts of your foot so that you can react quickly in any situation.
• Anticipate the ball’s movement: Try to anticipate where the ball will be played so that you can position yourself correctly. This will give you a better chance of controlling the ball with your first touch.
• Stay relaxed: Tension in your body can make it harder to control the ball. Stay relaxed and focused, and try not to overthink your first touch.

Remember, improving your first touch takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results right away. With dedication and hard work, you can become a master of the first touch.