First touch and ball control are two of the most important skills for any soccer player, whether you’re just starting out or sharpening your game for higher competition. That first touch decides what you can do next. Whether you can fake out a defender, find a pass, or set up for a shot, your control shapes every play. If the ball bounces off your foot or gets away from you, it’s pretty tough to keep possession and play smart soccer.
Getting better at first touch and control is mostly about practicing the right way with the right gear. Some tools and training equipment make a huge difference, letting you repeat good habits until they stick and pushing you to react quickly in real game situations. If you’ve ever wondered which gadgets or training gear can actually help, there are some really effective products out there that soccer coaches, pros, and dedicated players use all the time.
If you want to feel more in command during games, these 10 pieces of soccer equipment are all worth checking out. I’ve included my own tips on how to use each one, plus why it’s helpful. Whether you train solo, with a friend, or in a team setting, these tools can help take your first touch to another level. To get the most from every session, mix in different drills and don’t be afraid to challenge yourself by switching up speed or intensity.
Here’s my list of the best soccer equipment for first touch and ball control, with my honest takes on how each one can help your game.
Affiliate Disclosure
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. I only recommend soccer training equipment that I believe provides real value for improving skills, confidence, and performance on the field.
1. Rebounder Net
A soccer rebounder net is my favorite training partner when I’m working on first touch or passing. It fires the ball right back at you, simulating real passes that come with all kinds of speed or bounces. Practicing with a rebounder makes you react quickly and learn to cushion your touch in tight spaces.
Tips for Training:
- Stand at different distances, switch up your passing foot, and challenge yourself with one-touch returns.
- Try different parts of your foot—inside, outside, sole—to control the rebound and get comfortable in every game situation.
Setting up in your backyard or even a decent sized room means you can get hundreds of touches in a short session. Some popular options are the SKLZ Quickster Soccer Trainer and the PodiuMax Portable Soccer Trainer. These nets are also excellent for working on your passing accuracy, since you have to return the ball to a target area under time pressure.
2. Weighted Training Ball
A weighted soccer ball adds a new challenge to any control drill. These balls are heavier than a regular match ball, usually around 2 to 3 pounds, so you have to focus on your touch, balance, and technique every time. Training with a weighted ball makes your standard ball feel much easier to control when you go back to regular games. The extra weight helps build muscle memory and strengths your feet, ankles, and core.
- Do short touches, drag backs, and inside outside movements to develop softer, more controlled first touches.
- Mix in quick juggling sets with the weighted ball for strength and muscle memory.
I’ve used the SKLZ Trainer Ball and found it really helpful before working back up to competition balls for games.
3. Precision Cones
Cones are a classic for a reason. Setting up small passing or dribbling zones forces you to control your first touch and keep the ball close. Use cones for dribbling slaloms, tight grids, or little “gates” to receive a pass and turn in one move. You can lay out cones in creative patterns suited to your skill level.
Effective Cone Drills:
- Grid training: Set up a 5×5 yard square and keep all touches inside.
- Create passing lanes: Place cones to practice receiving and passing while moving.
I like disc cones for this—they don’t trip you up if you misstep and they’re easy to store. For extra challenge, put a time limit on each circuit or add in quick passing combinations with a friend. Training with cones also improves your spatial awareness on the field.
4. Agility Ladder
Quick feet are a huge part of great first touch. An agility ladder helps with foot speed and coordination, so you can move into position and adjust to the ball under pressure. I use the ladder for fast footwork then immediately control or pass a ball at the end of the run. That combo is great for real match fitness and touch. Adding direction changes and acceleration into your drills mirrors the unpredictable moments you’ll face in actual games.
How to Get the Most from the Ladder:
- Add a ball touch at each end: sprint through, then control the ball right away.
- Work off both feet and change directions quickly.
A ladder like the Trained Agility Ladder is lightweight and quick to roll out on any surface. Try to add new movement patterns every week to keep things fresh and challenge your coordination.
5. Ball Control Trainer (Kick Trainer)
Ball control trainers, like the classic “kick trainer” with an elastic cord, are super useful for solo practice. You don’t have to chase lost balls and you can focus on quick, repetitive passes or one-touch traps. This is a fun tool to take to the park or do quick sessions at home.
- Test your reaction speed and see how many controlled touches you can chain in a row.
- Try different surfaces of your foot for all around control practice.
The SKLZ Star-Kick and similar products get a lot of good feedback and are easy to pack in any soccer bag. You can even challenge yourself to increase your record for consecutive clean touches each session, making solo training more competitive and engaging.
6. Mini Soccer Ball
Practicing with a mini (size 1 or 2) soccer ball finetunes your touch and makes you focus even more on every movement. If you can juggle, trap, or dribble a tiny ball, a regular ball feels way more manageable. I started using a mini ball for at-home juggling and saw big improvements in my technique for tight spaces. It’s also great for coordination work indoors when you can’t get outside.
- Use it for juggling, toe taps, or tiny dribbling patterns between cones.
Many top players keep a mini ball in their bag to keep their touch sharp with quick warm-ups or fun skill challenges.
7. Passing Wall
If you have access to a flat wall, you’ve got one of the oldest (and still best) tools for first touch work. Mark targets on the wall using tape or chalk, pass to those targets with both feet, and trap the rebounds cleanly each time. This helps with both passing accuracy and ball control under unpredictable returns from the wall.
Ways to Mix It Up:
- Alternate between strong and “weaker” foot.
- Use different distances and mixes of ground passes and chips.
Some players make their own walls from plywood, especially if they want a portable option for backyards. Using walls in different locations can help you adapt to new surfaces and bounces, much like playing on a variety of fields.
8. Training Bibs (for Small Sided Games)
Small sided games play a huge part in developing first touch. When you organize practice games (3v3, 4v4, etc.) using colored training bibs, you get more touches under pressure and fast decision making situations, just like in matches. Bibs keep things organized and let you easily switch up teams for lots of game reps.
Practicing in small spaces with quick passes and movement boosts your confidence and control under pressure. I recommend always keeping a set of basic mesh bibs in your practice bag. You can use them for warm-ups, skills competitions, or even quick possession games before or after main practice, helping ensure everyone gets lots of touches.
9. Soccer Training Arches
Training arches or passing goals are like mini goals on the ground. Use them to practice passing and receiving in a tight window, so you learn to “thread the needle” and trap accurately. They’re also perfect for one-touch passing and movement drills. Arches can be used for competitive relay games or timed drills to push your control and precision.
- Try hitting targets with both feet, or set up multiple arches for progressing through the field with passes and controlled touches.
Portable sets are easy to set up for a team session or solo practice. If you play with friends, try challenging them to see who can hit the most targets in a row.
10. First Touch Control Mat
First touch mats are made from rubber or foam, with a bumpy textured surface to keep you alert. When you drop or pass a ball onto a control mat, the bounces are unpredictable; you need to adjust your body and cushion the ball each time. This mimics real matches where the field isn’t always perfect.
- Perform quick sets: pass the ball onto the mat and try to trap cleanly without it rolling away.
- Practice with different ball speeds and angles to boost reaction time.
These mats can also double as warmup surfaces for softer juggling or creative skills routines. They’re a great tool when you want to keep your reaction sharp but don’t have access to a field.
Recommended Soccer Training Equipment (Affiliate Links)
If you’re serious about improving your first touch and ball control, these training tools can speed up your progress:
- ⚽ SKLZ Quickster Soccer Trainer – One of the best rebounders for developing first touch, passing accuracy, and reaction speed. Check Price on Amazon
- ⚽ SKLZ Star-Kick Solo Trainer – Perfect for solo training sessions without constantly chasing the ball. View on Amazon
- ⚽ Champion Sports Weighted Training Ball – Helps improve touch, balance, and ball control. See Current Price
- ⚽ Pro Agility Speed Ladder – Excellent for improving foot speed and coordination. Shop Now
- ⚽ Disc Cone Training Set – Essential for dribbling, passing, and first-touch drills. Check Availability
- ⚽ Size 1 Mini Soccer Ball – Great for developing close control and juggling skills. View Product
Final Thoughts on Soccer First Touch and Ball Control Gear
No equipment is a magic fix, but the tools on this list can really give a boost to how you practice first touch and ball control. It’s all about reps, focus, and making each touch as good as possible. Whether you grab a rebounder net, a set of cones, or just start using your mini ball more, you’ll notice the difference in matches pretty fast. The best part: most of this gear packs up small and can be used anywhere, perfect for players always looking to get better. Staying motivated and consistent with your training will keep your touch improving year-round. If you’ve got another favorite training product for first touch work, I’d love to hear about it in the comments. Keeping an eye out for new gear and creative drills is always part of the fun, and sharing what works can help everyone in the soccer community level up their skills.