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First touch drill for youth soccer

Updated

In short

First touch is a beginner-level soccer drill. Your first touch is what you do the instant the ball arrives. A good one sets up your next move. A bad one means you spend the next three seconds chasing. It builds control, composure and awareness. It needs soccer ball and wall, and can be done in a backyard. This page lists 5 numbered steps and 3 common mistakes with their fixes. The demonstration video is AI-generated.

AI demoThis demonstration video is AI-generated: Koach Farm is an AI character, not a real coach. Real verified coaches review every drill before launch.

What does the first touch drill build?

  • control
  • composure
  • awareness

Quick facts

Sport
Soccer
Level
beginner
Equipment
soccer ball and wall
Space needed
backyard

How do you do the first touch drill?

  1. Get behind the ball

    Move your feet so your body is in line with it. Do not reach for it.

  2. Pick your surface

    Inside of the foot for most balls. Sole or thigh for balls coming in higher.

  3. Cushion it

    As the ball arrives, pull your foot back slightly so it takes the pace off instead of bouncing away.

  4. Touch it where you are going

    Push it into space in the direction you want to move, not straight down at your feet.

  5. Look up

    Head up immediately after the touch so you can see what is in front of you.

What are the most common first touch mistakes?

  • Mistake

    Stiff foot on contact

    Fix

    Relax and give a little so the ball stays close.

  • Mistake

    Touching it straight down

    Fix

    Angle the touch into space so you can move onto it.

  • Mistake

    Standing still and reaching

    Fix

    Move your feet to the ball instead of stretching for it.

Who demonstrates this drill?

Koach Farm, an AI-generated coach character

Koach Farm AI coach

High-energy fundamentals coach. The original.

There are 6 soccer drills like this one

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