Soccer First Touch Drills: Improve Ball Control and Confidence
A great first touch changes everything in soccer.
Before a player can dribble past defenders, play a perfect pass, or finish in the box, they must control the ball cleanly. The best players in the world don’t just receive the ball — they direct it, prepare it, and use their first touch to create time and space.
That’s why training your first touch is one of the fastest ways to elevate your overall game.
Whether you’re a developing youth player or an advanced athlete looking for sharper control under pressure, consistent soccer first touch drills are essential. With the right tools — including soccer rebound boards, reactive soccer training lights, and structured first touch exercises — players can dramatically improve their ball mastery from home.
In this guide, we’ll cover the top first-touch drills every player should train, followed by three elite SogilityGO drills built specifically for ball control, quick decision-making, and game-realistic first touch improvement.
Why First Touch Is So Important in Soccer
First touch is often the difference between keeping possession and losing the ball.
- A clean first touch allows players to:
- Control the ball under pressure
- Prepare the next pass or shot
- Create separation from defenders
- Play faster in tight spaces
- Stay composed in game-speed situations
In modern soccer, players rarely have time for extra touches. Defenders close quickly, and the game demands fast decisions.
That’s why first touch training soccer is one of the most valuable areas of development — especially in youth soccer development, where ball control forms the foundation of every other skill.
The problem is that many players only work on first touch during team drills, where touches are limited.
To truly improve, players need high repetition, reactive practice — and that’s where solo training becomes powerful.
The Best Soccer First Touch Drills for Ball Control
Let’s break down three of the most effective ball control drills soccer players can use to develop a sharper first touch.
1. Rebound Board Receive and Pass Drill
One of the best ways to train first touch is with repetition using a rebound surface.
With soccer rebound boards, players can practice:
- Receiving cleanly
- Controlling with different surfaces
- Passing immediately after the touch
How It Works:
- Pass firmly into the rebound board
- Control the return with one touch
- Pass back with the opposite foot
- Repeat at game speed
Coaching Points:
- Stay light on your feet
- Cushion the ball, don’t stop it stiffly
- Prepare the ball for the next action
Why It Helps:
This drill builds comfort receiving under pressure and improves rhythm — perfect for solo soccer training drills.
2. Directional First Touch Drill (Touch Into Space)
A great first touch isn’t just stopping the ball — it’s moving the ball into space.
How It Works:
Set up cones to your left and right. As the ball comes in, take your first touch away from pressure into one direction, then pass.
Why It Helps:
- Trains awareness
- Develops touch under pressure
- Mimics real defenders closing in
This is one of the most game-realistic first touch exercises.
3. Scan and Control Drill (Decision-Based Touch)
In matches, players must scan before receiving.
A good first touch depends on awareness.
How It Works:
- Receive a pass
- Check your surroundings
- Take your first touch based on space
- Play the next ball quickly
Why It Helps:
This builds the connection between technical skill and soccer IQ — something many players overlook.
3 SogilityGO First Touch Drills to Train Like a Pro
SogilityGO takes first-touch training to the next level by combining:
- Smart soccer training lights
- Reaction-based decision making
- High repetition rebound board reps
- Realistic game cues
If you’re searching for the ultimate home soccer training solution, these drills are built to develop elite first touch, ball control, and composure.
1. Outside-Foot Touch
This drill trains one of the most useful touches in soccer:taking the ball away from pressure instantly.
Instructions:
Begin the activity with a pass to the blinking rebound board. Use the outside of your foot for a sharp first touch. Pass the ball back immediately using the inside of your foot. Maintain a quick, controlled rhythm of touch and pass.
Tip:
In a real game, you use this touch to move the ball away from a defender. Focus on a sharp, outside-of-the-foot touch to create space, then quickly make your pass.
Why It Works:
- Develops explosive first touch control
- Builds confidence receiving under pressure
- Trains realistic touch-to-pass rhythm
- Improves foot coordination on both sides
This is one of the best soccer first touch drills for players learning to create space quickly.
2. Open Up 90, Distraction
Soccer is about playing forward — and this drill teaches players how to open their body and switch play with their first touch.
Instructions:
Begin the activity with a pass to the blinking rebound board. Scan the boards and decide where to pass next. If a different board lights up, make a 90-degree turn-and-pass. If the same board lights up, pass straight back.
Tip:
This move is about opening your hips to switch the play. Your first touch must be clean, taking the ball into new space. Get your head up as you turn to find that next pass.
Why It Works:
- Improves scanning and awareness
- Trains turning with the first touch
- Develops body positioning and composure
- Mimics midfield game situations
This is elite-level first touch training soccer because it forces decision-making at speed.
3. L-Drill, Color Code
This drill is perfect for training reactive ball control and passing with either foot.
Instructions:
Begin the activity with a pass to the blinking rebound board. Receive the ball:
- If the front board lights up, stop the ball and pass back.
- If a side board lights up, take a touch in that direction and pass using the correct foot following the color rule.
Tip:
Read the play: if it's straight on, control it. If space opens wide, take your first touch into that space. Be ready to pass cleanly with either foot.
Why It Works:
- Builds reaction speed and ball control
- Trains first touch into space
- Develops two-footed confidence
- Creates game-realistic decision habits
This is one of the most complete ball control drills soccer players can do at home.
Why SogilityGO Is the Best Tool for First Touch Development
First touch improvement requires more than just casual repetition.
Players need:
- High-quality reps
- Game-speed reaction cues
- Decision-making under pressure
- Realistic passing and receiving patterns
SogilityGO combines the power of soccer rebound boards with smart soccer training lights, creating one of the best systems available for:
- Soccer first touch drills
- First touch exercises
- Ball control mastery
- Youth player development
- Solo at-home training
If you want the most effective home soccer training solution, SogilityGO delivers the touches and realism players need to improve fast.
Final Thoughts: Your First Touch Defines Your Game
The ball moves faster than any player — and first touch is what allows you to keep up.
A sharper first touch gives you:
- More time
- More space
- More confidence
- More control
By training consistently with these drills — especially the reactive, game-realistic SogilityGO exercises — you’ll develop the ball mastery needed to play faster, smarter, and more confidently.
If you're ready to transform your control and composure, start training first touch the SogilityGO way today.
