Football players of all levels understand the importance of developing a confident and skillful first touch. It is a fundamental skill that can help control the game’s pace, maneuver around opposing players, and even lead to scoring goals. Youth football players spend countless hours honing this skill during their developmental years. Here are some of the top first touch drills that can help youth football players enhance their first-touch skill sets.
BEST FIRST TOUCH FOOTBALL DRILLS FOR U10 AND BELOW
The excellent drills listed below are perfect for helping U6, U7, U8, U9, and U10 football players improve their first touch skills.
Receiving Ball with Inside of Foot
One of the essential drills for practicing receiving a pass with the inside of the foot is a top first-touch football exercise for this age group.
How to Play
Pair up the participants and have them face each other while standing around 4 feet apart. Using only their outside foot, have each player kick the ball to their partner. The receiving player should control the ball on their chest and return it to the kicker without letting it hit the ground.
Points for Improvement
Players should lean slightly to one side as they catch the ball with their inside foot. This drill aims to develop the ability to receive a ball in stride and play it back quickly with the inside foot.
Outside Trap and Play
This drill is excellent for under-10 players as it helps improve coordination, balance, and reaction speed.
How to Play
Players should stand about 10 feet apart in pairs, with the player on the left holding a ball. Player A passes to Player B, who must kick the ball back without letting it hit the ground. Players alternate roles to work on both passing and receiving.
Best First Touch Football Drills for U18 Youth Football Players
The following drills are suitable for U11 to U18 youth football players.
Pass and Run Back
This drill focuses on coordination and fitness levels by combining passing skills with speed of play.
How to Play
Place players in pairs about 8 yards apart. After passing the ball to Player B, Player A dashes back to get it. Player B passes back for Player A to control, turn, and return the pass. The drill should continue for a set period or number of kicks.
Points for Improvement
Players should aim to improve speed around the field, first touch, and playmaking ability. Set targets for the number of passes before starting again, and rotate roles to challenge all players.
Receiving Ball with Outside of Foot
This drill helps players refine control and ball-receiving using the outside of their foot.
How to Play
In pairs, have one player pass to the other about 4 feet apart. The receiving player controls the pass with the outside foot and plays it back with the inside foot. Repeat the pattern until it is mastered, then switch roles.
Points for Improvement
Encourage players to come to a complete stop before the next pass and keep their heads up. Emphasize quick and accurate passing, with players calling “Control” upon receiving the ball.
Basic Football Drills for Youth Players (Ages 19-24):
Trap, Roll, and Play
How to Play:
Set up players in pairs facing each other 2 yards apart. One player kicks the ball to the other, who must quickly pass it back before they can play again.
Points for Improvement:
Emphasize calling out “Control” on each pass, encourage speed and accuracy, and use smaller balls for game-like situations.
Wall Passes
How to Play:
Players stand 4 feet apart facing each other with a wall behind one. They pass the ball back and forth, focusing on receiving and passing technique.
Points for Improvement:
Work on keeping eyes up, shoulders down, and staying low in stance to improve control and accuracy.
Touch and Go
How to Play:
Players line up facing each other 5 feet apart with a ball at their feet. They pass the ball and run to get it back, focusing on quick reactions and control.
Points for Improvement:
Encourage players to keep eyes on the ball, make quick passes, and rotate positions to practice all roles.
First Touch Drills for Competitive Players:
Quick Thinking Passing
How to Play:
Players pair up, with one passing the ball past the other who must return it quickly. Focus on speed and agility in addition to first touch technique.
Points for Improvement:
Remind players to stay low and call out “Control” on each pass, trap, or roll to enhance anticipation and ball control.
Long Throw to Wall Pass
How to Play:
Players line up 5 yards apart, with one throwing or kicking the ball to the other who must trap and pass it back. Work on accuracy and speed in addition to first touch technique.
Points for Improvement:
Encourage players to keep eyes on the ball, call out “Control” on each pass, and maintain proper body positioning for better control.
First Touch Drills with Equipment
4×4 FIRST TOUCH GAME
The 4×4 first touch game is a fun and challenging drill that focuses on quick ball control and speed. This exercise will help your players understand the importance of a good first touch in football.
How to Play:
Divide the players into four teams of four players each. Each team will have two pairs. The objective is to keep the ball in their half (4×4) for as long as possible without letting the opponents get it. Use three substitutions per side or rotate teams when one side is unable to keep up.
Points for Improvement:
Encourage players to beat their previous time or set a benchmark for comparison. Have them track their performance on a chalkboard and strive to improve with each attempt. Top performers can submit their times beforehand to create healthy competition.
Conclusion:
Youth players must prioritize the fundamentals of the first touch to enhance their skills and performance on the field. Incorporating these top 10 basic football drills for youth into regular training sessions will help players develop confidence, accuracy, and effectiveness in their first touches. By dedicating time and effort to improving their first touch abilities, young footballers can take their game to the next level.