What is a first touch in soccer?
A first touch in soccer is the touch a player takes when the ball arrives. A good first touch moves the ball into space, away from the nearest defender, so the next pass, dribble or shot is easy.
Other names: receiving, control.
Soccer is called football in most of the world. This guide is part of Futbol Island’s free football lessons for kids aged 7 to 12.
First Touch: diagram
How to take a good first touch
- Look around before the ball comes: over one shoulder, then the other.
- Decide early. If there is room, turn. If a defender is close, play back or to the side.
- Stay on your toes and move toward the ball instead of waiting for it.
- Let the touch be soft and send the ball a step away from you, in the direction you want to go.
Common mistakes
- Watching only the ball, so the defender is a surprise.
- Stopping the ball dead under your feet, which gives the defender time to arrive.
- Turning into pressure when a simple pass back was open.
In 7v7, 9v9, 11v11 and futsal
It matters most where space is smallest, which is why futsal is good practice for it. The first lesson is the same in every format: look for pressure before you receive.
Questions about the first touch
Why is first touch so important in soccer?
It decides how much time you have. A touch into space gives you a second to look up. A touch that bounces away gives the ball to the other team.
What is scanning in soccer?
Looking around before the ball arrives, so you already know where the defenders and the free teammates are.
How can kids practise first touch at home?
Pass against a wall and take the first touch to one side, then the other. Use both feet, and look away from the ball before it comes back.
Lessons that teach it
- Look, Then Turn or Return (7v7 lesson)Look for pressure before receiving. Turn into room or give the ball back.
- Receive: Turn or Connect (9v9 lesson)Check the space before receiving; a turn and a return solve different pressure.
- Look, Control & Choose (Futsal lesson)Look before receiving. Turn into room, or use support when pressure closes it.
- Can You Turn? (11v11 lesson)Look before the ball arrives. Turn when you have room; use your support when you don’t.
Related soccer terms
- Through BallA pass played between or behind the defenders into space, for a teammate to run on to.
- Switch of PlayMoving the ball from the crowded side of the field to the open side.
- Give-and-GoPass to a teammate, run past your defender and get the ball straight back. Also called a one-two or a wall pass.
- PressRunning to close down the player with the ball so they have less time, while a teammate covers behind.
- All soccer terms, A to Z92 soccer words in plain English, from advantage to yellow card, 18 with a diagram
- Soccer rules for kids16 rules explained for kids, each with a diagram: offside, handball, throw-ins and more
Futbol Island is a free football (soccer) learning game for kids aged 7 to 12. Every idea on this page is taught on a pitch with moving players, then checked with a quick quiz.