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Step By Step: The First Touch

by Joshua Robinson
for About.com

4 of 7

Bring the Ball Down

After taking a pass on his toe, Manchester City's Robinho sweeps his leg and the ball down to put it ball on the ground.

AFP PHOTO/Glyn Kirk
The first thing you want to do is get the ball on the ground if it isn’t there already — that’s where it is easiest to handle. Doing that requires a soft touch and a general downward motion of your body.

With your foot, almost sweep the ball to the ground when it comes to you.

With your thighs or chest, the goal is to provide a cushion for the ball to land on before letting it drop in front of you.

You can control the direction of the touch by turning your hips or your shoulders.

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