Receiving & First TouchBall Control Under PressureDecision MakingFoundationalIntermediateU9-U10Warm-UpFocused Drill

First Touch Box Control

5-10 min Solo, Partner 1 soccer ball, 4 cones3.0(2 ratings)

Listen to your Coach

Coach Carter

A short spoken walk-through of this drill.

Goal

Perfectly cushion the ball so it lands exactly where you want it to set up your next move.

Setup

Create a 3x3 yard square using 4 cones. Stand in the center of the box with the ball.

Drill Instructions

1. Toss the ball into the air to yourself or have a partner toss you the ball in the air. 2. As the ball arrives, use your first touch to control the ball on the ground and quickly exit through one of the sides of the square. 3. Quickly dribble back to the center and repeat, choosing a different exit side each time.

Coach Tip

Stay on the balls of your feet and keep your ankles locked but your touch soft, like a 'pillow'.

Avoid

Letting the ball hit your foot and bounce away uncontrollably or standing flat-footed while waiting.

Ready to train?

Add this drill to your Active Drills to start tracking time and progress.

AI Coach feedback

Upload or record a clip of yourself on this drill and your AI coach will spot what's working and what to fix next.