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Technical

Improving Your First Touch

Master the most important skill in football - controlling the ball with your first touch.

Your first touch determines what happens next. A poor first touch puts you under pressure, whilst a good first touch creates time and space. This guide covers wall work, volleys, turning, and touch under pressure. Whether you're receiving a pass to feet or bringing down a long ball, your first touch is the foundation of everything else you do.

Key Points

1Use different surfaces of your foot for different situations
2Your body position before the ball arrives is critical
3Practice with both feet - your weak foot needs more work
4Take the ball away from pressure, not into it
5A cushioned touch keeps the ball close, a firm touch moves it into space
6Watch the ball onto your foot, not where you want to go next

Training Drills

✓Wall passes with immediate turn (20 reps each foot)
✓Receive and turn in a tight grid under pressure
✓Aerial control - drop the ball from height and control with one touch
✓Two-player passing with movement before receiving
✓Rondo to practice receiving under pressure from all angles
✓Juggling to develop soft touch and ball awareness

Learn From the Pros

Bernardo Silva - controls at speed with perfect weightLuka Modrić - receives in tight spaces and protects the ballThiago Alcântara - uses different surfaces depending on pressureKevin De Bruyne - first touch takes him away from defendersDennis Bergkamp - iconic first touch to set up goals

Ask FootballGPT

“How can I improve my first touch at home?”

“What part of my foot should I use to control the ball?”

“Why does the ball keep bouncing off me when I receive it?”

“How do I practice first touch without a partner?”

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to improve your first touch?

You can see improvement in 2-3 weeks with daily practice. The key is consistency - 15 minutes every day is better than 2 hours once a week. Your muscle memory develops through repetition, and your first touch becomes automatic.

Should I use the inside or outside of my foot?

It depends on where the pressure is coming from. Inside of the foot gives you control and accuracy when you have time. Outside of the foot lets you take the ball away from a defender in one motion. Both feet need to be comfortable with both surfaces.

Why do I keep letting the ball bounce off my foot?

Your foot is too rigid when the ball arrives. You need to "cushion" the ball by withdrawing your foot slightly on contact. Think of catching an egg - if your hand is stiff, it breaks. Same principle with your first touch.

Can I practice first touch on my own?

Absolutely. Wall work is brilliant for this. Pass against a wall and control the rebound. Vary the height, power, and angle. You can also throw the ball in the air and control it with different parts of your foot. Juggling helps too.

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