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.

Soccer Forward (Striker) Tips

The forward (or striker) scores most of the goals. This player can be absolutely vital to the team because he receives the most chances close to the goal.

The forward usually plays defense only when the ball is in the opposite team’s defense half. He is the only player that can ball-watch while the ball is in his team’s defensive half. He should always be prepared to make a run though.

Aspects of Top Forwards

These traits make up a good forward. If you have them, consider becoming a forward. If you don’t have some of these traits, and you are a forward, work on them.

Speed

To be a successful forward, you need blazing fast speed. You will often receive balls over the heads of defenders that you must run on. You also will be making runs, beating players, and attempting to block passes. All of these things require speed.

Note that there are some forwards that aren't very fast. Most of the time these forwards play a supporting role to a fast forward. Still, the faster you are the better.

Shooting Ability

Shooting ability is what makes forwards like David Villa and Fernando Torres great. To be a forward, you need to master every shot. You should be able to shoot a bomb from far distance, straight kick when you don’t have space for an angle shot, and place the ball passed the goalkeeper. You should also focus on faking shots or shooting with defenders near you.

Dribbling Ability

You will have to beat players to get a shot off and dribble at speed to set off a break-away. You need to be comfortable dribbling with speed and beating players one versus one.

Ball Control

As a forward, you will receive balls in the air, balls on the ground, and through balls. You need to know how to effectively receive all of them.

Volleying Ability

As a forward, you will receive many crosses.  It is very important that you can volley the ball into the net.

Heading Ability

Again, you will receive crosses. You need to be able to use your body and win a header. You should know how to head the ball downward so it is harder to save and doesn't go over the goal.

[IMPORTANT] Soccer Forward Training Tips

Shoot

A forward’s primary job is to score. To score, you must shoot. This means shoot at every opportunity. Shoot from far away, shoot whenever you are in or near the box. If there isn’t a shot available make one.

Check and Shield

It’s bad practice for your team to always kick the ball over the defense. Sometimes, you want to check your shoulder for incoming defenders before receiving the ball. Once you receive it shield, and look to pass to someone on the wing.

[Top Best] Soccer Improvement Drills #2

Want to know the best drills for improvement? Here is a video featuring a drill that has helped me a lot in the past. This drill need to be done at speed. You can do the easiest drills but doing them at pro speed is what makes it hard. So here take a look at this ----------->

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