The Four Soccer Touches

Learning each type of soccer touch is vital to moving forward with ball control and dribbling.  A good dribbler knows when to cut outside or inside, roll the ball away from an opponent, or dribble quickly through open space.

The touches that you learn this article are the basis for ball control.  Work on these touches in every training session, daily if you can.  Through practice, you will improve your control over the ball.

Inside or Lace of Feet to Dribble?

Many players beginning to dribble and control the ball ask this question. 

Types of Soccer Touches

Lace

The lace touch is the touch that you will use the most when dribbling.  Using it moves the ball straight.  Players should use it when there is open space, and they want to dribble with speed.

To perform a lace touch, use the area around your shoe laces to chop the ball forward.  Touch the ball so that is stays close to you.

Inside

The inside of the foot is used to used to cut past players and to dribble forward while the body shields.  It can be used to fake a shot.

To perform an an inside-of-the-foot cut, use the inside of your foot and touch the side of the ball.  The ball should go across your body.  To dribble forward using the inside of the foot, (useful because you can shield while dribbling), turn your body towards the ball.  The leg farthest away from the body will dribble while the lead leg should take steps forward.

Outside

The outside touch is very quick, making it easy to quickly accelerate past a defender.  You can also use this touch to dribble forward quickly if you want to dribble towards the side.

To perform an outside cut (assuming with you’re using your right foot), use the inside of your foot to touch the left side of the ball.  You can touch more towards the middle if you want to move forward and to the side.

Sole

The sole can be used in many circumstances.  It can be used to beat defenders, turn, fake a pass, just naming some examples.  This touch is the hardest to learn for beginning players, but mastering it adds a whole new level to your control and dribbling.

To perform a sole touch, first put your foot lightly on the ball.  Now roll the ball in any direction you want.  Your other foot should hop slightly when you roll the ball.

The Aspects of Ball Control

Learning and mastering all of these touches is the key to great ball control.  You will find that once you master the touches,  building up to even the most advanced of soccer moves comes easily.