First touch

The first touch in the sport means the player’s ability to do everything it wants from the ball. Here we consider the quarter- or running back who are the primary snap recipients. That means the player must catch and control the ball immediately after the first touch.

There are some rules where you can notice the first touch as the critical episode of the situation—for example, the punt. The punting team first touches the ball but fails to control it. As a result, the receiving team has the right to pick the ball at the first touch spot. It’s legal, and the ball is live. The receivers lose this right only if they commit the foul.

There is also the amateur football version – touch football. It helps to develop skills in ball control. Abny touch, including first, is important for that.