Soccer’s Most Important Skill

 The most important skill in soccer is to control the ball at any level, and for any type
 of player. The skill of controlling a tricky ball effectively and quickly is the most
 important technique that makes one a great player. The control of the ball is also
 known as ‘First Touch’ and is usually the significant difference between failure and
 success of moves in the game.

 Usually, players cannot afford to have fun with a first-time ball; so, they should
 stop the ball or may have to dribble if no partners are in situation to get a first-time
 pass. Space and time have great importance in soccer. Basically, a player has to keep
 many things in mind at the time of controlling the ball, at times protecting the ball by
 placing their body between the opponent and ball, or dribble the ball, or try to
 overtake the ball, or shoot the ball. The ability to do any of those is generally based
 on how good the player’s first touch is.

 Participants should build up a feel for the ball. A player needs to approach the ball
 with normally a light touch, and hit the ball with different areas of the foot depending
 on the direction the player intends the ball to go. Players should practice to control the
 ball on the ground in addition to in the air. It is important to keep in mind that the best
 control to have is to get the ball and release it with a single touch without having to
 reach or chase for it. A skillful control is very automatic to few player, but tough for
 most others and requires plenty of practice.

 Dribbling and controlling the ball are sometimes considered to be the same technique
 in soccer. However there is difference in dribbling and controlling the ball. While
 controlling, a participant simply receives the ball while dribbling means lightly kicking
 the ball after it has been taken into possession.