First Touch Article

The First Touch is one of a player's most valuable skills and must be taught repeatedly at every practice.

First Touch is the number one focus for a player's game skill recommended by U.S. Soccer and U.S. Youth Soccer with dedicated practice time by coaches and players.

Paying attention to the first touch will increase the player's ability to maintain possession, improve their speed of play, and allow them to be more successful at the higher levels.

Visualize the contest at the 18 with the perfect first touch pass to the striker and their first touch goal shot. Or the one, two, three of a give and go goal - all with a first touch. Or the defender who doesn't hestiate to move in and make a steal while laying the ball out to their offensive teammate on the run in the open field - all in one motion with a great first touch.

Articles:

The Importance of First Touch by Charles "Chugger" Adair

The Most Important Touch in Soccer: The First Touch by Chris Johnson

The First Touch in Soccer Play by Joshua Robinson

Videos:

5 Essential First Touch Drills Every Player Should Master

by Matt Sheldon: Become Elite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbOwpq_8CeM

... watch for the sweet nutmeg move at the end

How to Coach a Soccer Team : One Touch Passing Drills in Soccer

Coach Glenn: Expert Village

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5kki78r0Pg

Coerver Coaching: How to Master Your First Touch