In soccer, first touch and ball control are critical skills that separate elite players from the rest. A poor first touch can slow you down, invite pressure from defenders, and lead to turnovers. A great first touch, on the other hand, sets you up for smooth dribbling, passing, and shooting.
If you want to play at a high level, you must master your first touch and ball control—and that comes through focused training. In this blog, we’ll break down why first touch is so important and provide detailed drills to help you improve.
Why First Touch & Ball Control Matter
- More Time on the Ball – A good first touch allows you to make quick decisions.
- Better Passing & Dribbling – A controlled first touch makes your next move smoother.
- Confidence Under Pressure – A solid first touch prevents panic when opponents close in.
- Greater Versatility – Players with excellent ball control can play in tight spaces and switch play effortlessly.
How to Train Your First Touch & Ball Control
1. Wall Pass & Receive Drill (Basic First Touch Training)
Objective: Improve touch and control under pressure.
How to do it:
- Stand 5-10 yards from a wall.
- Pass the ball against the wall and control it with one touch before passing back.
- Vary the type of first touch:
- Inside foot touch – Keep the ball close for quick passes.
- Outside foot touch – Redirect the ball in another direction.
- Sole of the foot – Stop or roll the ball smoothly.
- Increase speed as you improve.
- Try one-touch passing for advanced control.
Pro Tip: Mark a target on the wall to improve accuracy.
2. Cone Control Drill (Touch & Movement)
Objective: Improve first touch and directional control.
How to do it:
- Set up 3-5 cones in a straight line, each about 1 yard apart.
- Have a partner (or rebound off a wall) pass the ball to you.
- First touch the ball around the cone and pass it back.
- Focus on soft, controlled touches to avoid knocking the ball too far.
- Repeat with both feet to become well-rounded.
Pro Tip: Time yourself and try to complete the drill faster without losing control.
3. Juggling Progression (Touch Sensitivity & Coordination)
Objective: Improve ball feel and close control.
How to do it:
- Start by juggling with both feet, alternating touches.
- If juggling is difficult, let the ball bounce between touches.
- Once comfortable, progress to single-foot juggling (only one foot at a time).
- Advanced players can practice controlling the ball after juggling a specific number of times (e.g., stop the ball on the foot after 5 juggles).
Pro Tip: Try juggling while moving forward for an extra challenge.
4. Aerial First Touch Drill (Control From High Balls)
Objective: Improve first touch on balls arriving from the air.
How to do it:
- Have a partner chip or throw the ball toward you from 10-15 yards away.
- Use one touch to control the ball before passing it back.
- Focus on different techniques:
- Inside foot touch – To keep the ball close.
- Thigh control – To bring the ball down softly before passing.
- Chest control – To cushion the ball down before your next move.
Pro Tip: If training alone, toss the ball up yourself and control it before it hits the ground.
5. Dynamic First Touch Drill (Game-Like Pressure)
Objective: Train first touch while moving, simulating real-game scenarios.
How to do it:
- Have a partner pass the ball to you while you’re on the move.
- Take one touch and sprint into open space.
- Keep your first touch away from pressure and into space for your next move.
- Alternate between inside foot, outside foot, and sole of the foot touches.
Pro Tip: Perform this drill at game speed to simulate real-match intensity.
6. One-Touch Passing Circuit (Speed & Precision)
Objective: Develop quick reactions and precise ball control.
How to do it:
- Set up two cones about 5 yards apart.
- With a partner, pass the ball back and forth with one touch only.
- Keep the pace high and minimize extra movement.
- Advanced players can add a moving defender for pressure.
Pro Tip: Change passing distance to challenge your control.
Bonus Challenge: Blind First Touch Drill
- Have a partner stand behind you and call out before passing the ball.
- Turn and control the ball with one touch, reacting quickly.
- This improves awareness and touch under pressure.
Final Thoughts
First touch and ball control aren’t just natural talents they’re skills you can develop with consistent training. Players like Kevin De Bruyne, Lionel Messi, and Luka Modrić spend hours perfecting their first touch to maintain control in high-pressure situations.
By practicing these drills daily, you’ll see major improvements in your ability to receive and control the ball under any circumstances.