Improve Your Soccer Performance by Focusing on First Touch

Based in Forest, Virginia, Ralph Beck is the proprietor of real estate development firm B-Boyz, LLC. Formerly, he owned Tessy Plastics, LLC, in Lynchburg, Virginia. When not working, Ralph Beck coaches a B-league soccer team that is beginning to show a lot of promise. One of the most important skills for high-level soccer remains a great first touch on the ball. Skillful first touch allows players to shield the ball, dribble aggressively, and play quickly.

Developing first touch is about gaining control over the ball. People who keep the ball too close to themselves will inevitably lose it, while players who keep the ball too far become vulnerable to the opposition’s moves. Good first touch means keeping the ball in front without having it under the feet.

An easy way to improve first touch is to focus on controlling the ball with each foot while kicking it against a wall. Spending 15 to 20 minutes a day doing this will result in serious, noticeable improvement as players develop first touch reflexes. This simple practice helps individuals get very comfortable with the ball, but players should challenge themselves. Kicking the ball against the wall harder means it comes back faster. If players can control hard deflections, they will have few, if any, issues with real passes.

A Few Excellent Hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia

The proprietor of B-Boyz, LLC, in Forest, Virginia, Ralph Beck invests in local real estate and develops land and homes. Recreationally, Ralph Beck enjoys keeping active, especially by hiking in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

One of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ great hikes, McAfee Knob is a celebrated part of the Appalachian Trail known for its beauty. Although a challenge, the trail is rewarding, particularly at sunset. For a longer trek, hikers can tack on the Dragon’s Tooth and Tinker Cliffs trails to McAfee Knob.

Another great option, the 8.3-mile Devil’s Marbleyard Trail requires more than five hours to complete, especially for those who want to play around on its giant boulders. Determined hikers can tack on another hour for an Appalachian Trail side trip that offers an incredible panorama of the mountains.

For something easier, individuals can check out the Otter Creek and Otter Lake Loop trails that start at the James River Visitor Center, where hikers can learn about the surrounding area. The former trail passes by several pools and an old railroad bed before linking up with the Otter Lake Loop Trail. The complete circuit, along which visitors may see beavers, amounts to just a few miles.