First Touch
We will start here not just because of the name first but because it is so important when it comes to possessing the ball, moving the ball into an attacking space or just keeping the ball out of a dangerous spot. Defenders can benefit from a good first touch just as much as the attacking players. When a good decision and a good first touch meet, that is when magic can happen. Ideally one would want to have made a decision on where they want the ball to go with there first touch before they have executed the first touch. For example if a player wants to go to the right then having the ball already going that direction would only make sense in most situations. Maybe you want to go to the left or straight ahead; these are all decisions based on what is happening in the moment. The magic happens when the first touch takes you and the ball into the direction you want to go before the defenders can react to it. Also when you are open on the field the first touch could give you more time and space to create a pass or a dribble. The first touch can also keep the ball from going out of bounds. This also relates to the section on body position.
Basically the quicker you can control the ball and get it going into the direction you want to get it goin the better, so we rank the first touch as one of the most important actions in a soccer match.
Audio
Example
Good example of some first touches in this clip. First the player uses a one touch to cross the ball to another attacking player, then the target player creates a really good first touch with her head. The player directs the ball in the directions she wants to go, this example she wants to attack the goal so her first touch goes toward the goal between two defenders. Good defence stops the play but it was a really good first touch.
How to Practice Solo
Throw the ball up
One of the best ways to practice your first touch is to throw the ball up in the air and as it hits the ground or just before it does trap the ball or use the top of the foot to direct the ball in the direction you want. You can even let the ball bounce once or twice and advance as you get better. Use the knee, shoulder, chest, etc.
Advanced - Try and almost catch the ball with your foot, bringing the ball gently down to gound by following the speed of the ball with your foot bringing the ball softly to a stop so that it is not bouncing and ready to be played.
Use a wall or rebounder
The Wall, backdrop or rebounder is always good for practicing first touch. The same principles apply to throwing the ball up but with the wall your kick or throw the ball against the wall so the ball rebounds towards you. Try and create different angles so that you have to adjust your positioning and practice movement on your way to making your first touch.
Pass with a partner
This is just like playing pass or kick back. To work on the first touch simply use mindfulness while passing with the partner and don’t simply just trap or receive the ball. Manipulate how the ball comes off of your foot or body to go in the direction you want to go. Use both feet and different parts of the body. This is a relaxed activity or warm up and could be accompanied with conversation.