Mastering Ball Control: How to Train Your First Touch Like a Pro

In football, your first touch can be the difference between creating a chance or losing possession. Whether you're playing in the street, the academy, or on a professional pitch, the ability to control the ball with confidence and precision is a critical skill every footballer must master.

This guide will break down what ball control really means, why your first touch is so important, and how to train effectively using drills used by top players around the world.

What Is Ball Control in Football?

Ball control refers to a player's ability to receive, manage, and manipulate the football with different parts of the body—feet, thighs, chest, or head—without losing possession. A clean first touch allows you to set yourself up for the next move, whether it's a pass, dribble, or shot.

There are two types of control:

• Receiving control – bringing the ball under control when receiving it from a pass.
• Dribbling control – maintaining possession while moving with the ball.

Why First Touch Is the Foundation of Great Play

When you watch elite players like Luka Modrić, Kevin De Bruyne, or Lionel Messi, you'll notice that their first touch is rarely wasted. They control the ball smoothly and purposefully, often moving it into space or away from pressure.

A poor first touch slows down play, causes turnovers, and kills attacking momentum. A good first touch buys you time, keeps the ball away from defenders, and lets you make smart decisions faster.

Common Mistakes Players Make

Before learning how to improve, it’s important to recognize some of the most common first-touch mistakes:

• Watching the ball too late or looking away before receiving it
• Standing flat-footed instead of staying on the toes
• Using the wrong body part for the situation
• Failing to scan the space before receiving the ball

Fixing these habits early will accelerate your development dramatically.

Essential Drills to Improve Ball Control

Below are five proven drills you can do alone or with a partner. These exercises will help you develop a soft, reliable first touch.

1. Wall Pass & Control

How it works: Find a solid wall and pass the ball against it. As it returns, control it with your foot, then pass again. Vary the height and pace of your passes.

• Use both feet
• Control with inside, outside, sole
• Challenge yourself to one-touch passes too

2. Juggling Challenge

How it helps: Improves touch sensitivity and coordination. Set targets (e.g., 10 touches, then 20, then 50) and keep the ball close.

3. Cone Trap and Go

Setup: Place a cone 5 meters away. Pass the ball toward it, control it before it hits the cone, and turn quickly with the ball.

• Works on controlling pace
• Simulates pressure situations

4. Partner Loft Control

How it works: Ask a friend to toss or chip the ball toward you from 5–10 meters away. Control it using your thigh, chest, or foot—then pass back.

5. One-Touch Directional Control

Advanced: When you control the ball, take your first touch into space—left, right, or forward. Helps build game-realistic reactions.

Using All Parts of Your Body

Each part of the body has a role in ball control. Here’s how to train each one:

• Feet: Use the inside, outside, and sole depending on the angle and pace.
• Thighs: Best for controlling high balls calmly when you're under pressure.
• Chest: Cushion the ball by leaning back slightly and letting it drop softly.
• Head: Use only when needed; head the ball down or into space rather than straight up.

Game Situations Where First Touch Matters

Here are some real match scenarios where your first touch can give you a massive advantage:

• Midfield pressure: A soft touch away from a pressing opponent creates time and space.
• Forward play: Controlling a pass to set up a shot in one smooth motion.
• Wide areas: Receiving a switch pass and instantly preparing for a cross.

Pro Tips for Faster Improvement

To improve even faster, try these simple but effective habits:

• Train every day, even 15–20 minutes is valuable
• Record yourself to analyze mistakes and posture
• Play in tight spaces (like futsal or 5-a-side) to build faster reactions
• Watch how pros control the ball and try to copy their movements

Conclusion

Great football begins with a great first touch. It sets the rhythm, opens up options, and separates the good from the great. By training with purpose and using the drills above consistently, you can improve your ball control and gain the confidence to play at a higher level.

Remember: The ball should feel like an extension of your body. Master the touch, and you master the game.