Overview
This lecture covers five essential soccer first touch drills designed to improve ball control, precision, and technique under various game-like conditions.
One by One Box Drill
- Set up a 1x1 yard box with four cones.
- Stand five yards from a partner who passes the ball to you on the ground.
- Control the ball with one touch inside the box, then pass back.
- Adjust pass weight for difficulty and focus on perfect first touches.
Octagon Drill
- Create a five-yard diameter octagon with eight cones.
- Stand in the center with a partner 5-10 yards away.
- Receive a pass, take a touch through cones, and pass back.
- Continue around the octagon, using each set of cones, focusing on first touch into space.
Three Cone High Step
- Place three cones in a line, one foot apart.
- Two partners stand 3-5 yards on either side.
- High step laterally through cones, receive a pass (ground or air), and pass back using one or two touches.
- Use the corresponding foot for each side and emphasize accurate returns.
Man On Drill
- Stand 15-20 yards from your partner with a defender (or imagine one) behind you.
- Move against the defender and check towards the ball; listen for partner’s command (e.g., "man on", "turn left/right shoulder").
- React to the instruction, control the pass, and turn or shield as needed.
Long Ball Trap
- Set up a 5x10 yard rectangle, 18-25 yards from goal.
- A partner drives or lofts the ball in from the end line.
- Control with minimal touches and quickly shoot on goal, using both feet.
- Focus on controlling longer passes and rapid shot transitions.
Key Terms & Definitions
- First Touch — The initial contact a player makes when receiving the ball.
- Man On — A warning shout indicating a defender is close behind.
- High Step — Quick, exaggerated steps, often used in agility drills.
- Trap — To control an incoming ball and bring it under immediate control.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice all five drills regularly to improve first touch and ball control.
- Challenge yourself by varying pass difficulty and using both feet.
- (Optional) Watch additional Skillshare classes for skill development.