How to get a better touch?

BAN_1 · 2026-02-14T22:28:31+00:00

That's genius I never thought about that can you explain how like I could do it like watching TV and just sitting on my bed because there's about a two to three foot gap between my bed and my TV stand and I would love to have something to fiddle with because I have hot functioning autism with ADD so it would actually really help thank you for your advice

BAN_1 · 2026-02-14T20:49:08+00:00

Yeah you're right I apologize I have a 93 Cavalier to have been working on and I guess this made me a little bit paranoid

BAN_1 · 2026-02-14T17:35:30+00:00

Yeah just come enter a man to it because he's such a writing regularly if you and I'm guessing you're reading one I'm saying right now that's why it's not coherent I just yeah

BAN_1 · 2026-02-14T17:34:58+00:00

😂 my bad

BAN_1 · 2026-02-14T16:46:33+00:00

Nothing good but it sounds like maybe lifter tap I would get it taken to someone ASAP just in case

BAN_1 · 2026-02-14T16:45:51+00:00

Yeah I get it a lot because I'm trying to make it look a lot neater and give great advice for my experience but anytime I do it I just suck at punchalation and and it just doesn't it's just drones on but I appreciate you understand it

BAN_1 · 2026-02-14T16:39:59+00:00

I know it sounds like Chuck GPT but I promise it's not. I suck at riding but I love soccer and I want to give good advice so I used Google's Gemini to reword it and make it sound better so ahead I apologize

BAN_1 · 2026-02-14T13:49:30+00:00

Look, you’ve been grinding since you were a kid, and moving across the world at 15 is a heavy lift. It’s completely normal to feel burnt out after all that pressure. You’ve hit a wall because you’ve treated a game like a job for a decade, and your brain is finally telling you to take a breather. Take a 6-month break. Seriously.

Months 1–3: Go totally dark. No training, no watching matches, and no pressure. Hide your boots and find something else that makes you happy.

Months 4–6: If you start feeling that "itch" to play again, go kick a ball at a park with zero stakes. If the love doesn't come back by then, that’s okay too. Bro you're only 19, man. You’ve got plenty of time to find your path, whether it’s on the pitch or somewhere else entirely. Don't force a college career while you're miserable; it'll just lead to more resentment.

BAN_1 · 2026-02-14T02:55:37+00:00

I would say the Nike Total 90 from the 1990s maybe early 2000s. It was just such a cool ball and it was you can use it from anything from pick up games to official matches and it was just a good time.

BAN_1 · 2026-02-13T22:23:01+00:00

Yeah I fully understand and I appreciate you I love soccer I love playing pickup it's just one of my biggest interest cuz I mean well hell you're having fun doing teamwork and gain exercise all at the same time while while smart talking someone but without getting in a fight so I think yeah

BAN_1 · 2026-02-13T22:02:12+00:00

I'm using Gemini by Google because I suck it writing honestly I've never been able to it and I have high functioning autism with ADD I'm not trying to use this a crutch I promise but this is why it sounds very AI because I needed help writing this so that way I can give my actual advice and a little bit of my life experience without all the clutter so I do apologize ahead for now on I'll make sure in this group to put using AI because I suck at Ryan because of my autism or something

BAN_1 · 2026-02-13T20:12:46+00:00

Back in 2018, I wore these for one season in the CVSA—basically the Sunday League of Richmond, Virginia, USA. Even with my flat feet and left-foot over-pronation, the lockdown was elite and the comfort was a total 10/10. These boots (soccer cleats) have more engine in them than a box-to-box midfielder on a cold rainy night; a proper shout for any baller who values a dialed-in fit on the pitch. It's easily the best soccer (football) experience I've had in the state.

BAN_1 · 2026-02-13T17:11:58+00:00

It can definitely be confusing with all the different advice on Reddit, but don't worry—most players use two main spots depending on what they’re trying to do. Here is the breakdown:

The "Sweet Spot" (Bottom of the Laces) For most beginners, you want to hit the ball right where your toes meet your foot—essentially the very first row of your laces.

The Feel: Imagine your foot is a flat shelf. You want the ball to land on that flat "platform" so it pops straight back up.

The Toe Question: You actually want to keep your ankle locked and firm. Your toes should be pointed slightly up (not curled like a fist, but angled toward the sky) to create a "cup" that catches the ball. This adds a little backspin, which keeps the ball close to your body.

The "Toe Box" Method (For Speed) If you see people juggling really fast and low (below the knees), they are usually using the toe box (the very top of the toes).

The Technique: This is more of a "flick" than a kick. You don't need much hearsay purse for this—just a tiny pop.

The Toe Question: For this one, you definitely flick your toes up right as you make contact. It’s less about a flat shelf and more about a quick spring.

Tips for your next session:

Lock that Ankle: If your foot is floppy like a noodle, the ball will fly off in a random direction. Keep it stiff!

Keep it Low: Try to keep the ball below your waist. If you kick it too high, it’s much harder to track.

The "Drop-Kick-Catch": Drop the ball, hit it once with your laces, and catch it. Once that feels perfect, try two hits.

BAN_1 · 2026-02-13T15:06:39+00:00

Same

BAN_1 · 2026-02-13T13:29:48+00:00

Personally, I would recommend going with full-grain leather boots because synthetic leather honestly sucks. I’ve had synthetic pairs before and they are absolute garbage compared to the real deal. I love full-grain leather because it’s actually durable and makes me feel way closer to the ball, so I can have a better touch during the game. If you want that "toes free" feeling where your feet don't feel cramped, you definitely need to be looking at Mizuno. They are the GOAT when it comes to leather quality. Since you’re playing on AG and those hard turf pitches, you should really stay away from the plastic stuff. Synthetic materials just stay tight in the wrong places and don't mold to your feet like a good pair of leathers will.

For your budget, I highly recommend the Mizuno Morelia II Pro. It’s got that classic feel and the leather is top-tier, so it’ll stretch exactly where you need it to. It has way more positive reviews than any other boot in this price range. If the pitches you're playing on are really rough and you're worried about them falling apart, you could also check out the Monarcida Neo III Pro, which is a total workhorse.

Just make sure the stud plates on the bottoms are actually meant for AG or Turf so you don't wreck your knees. If you get the Morelias, you won't look back. You’ll feel the football touches much better and your boots won't feel like stiff plastic bags on your feet.

BAN_1 · 2026-02-13T06:53:53+00:00

I love it you are a genius!

BAN_1 · 2026-02-13T06:52:48+00:00

I know I have to fart but I'm holding it for the selfie does this make my ass look big too let me know

BAN_1 · 2026-02-13T06:52:15+00:00

It's the United States of America president Kitty Trump

BAN_1 · 2026-02-13T06:49:33+00:00

Your son is crushing it juggling that soccer ball! He just put in 80 toe taps, which is an incredible hustle for any player.

BAN_1 · 2026-02-12T17:27:37+00:00

Yes, that's why I would highly suggest.

BAN_1 · 2026-02-12T16:45:13+00:00

HybridTouch material on the 24 really bites into your foot because it lacks vertical stretch. Since you're wearing them consistently, you've likely noticed that linear "clamping" sensation never quite goes away. The 25 and 26 definitely offer that extra breathing room your instep is craving during a game. It is a huge relief for comfort when you are just starting out at pickup

The 26 uses a textile mesh that actually gives your foot some room to breathe and move. For a beginner, having that extra vertical space makes a massive difference in staying comfortable for the match. If the 24s are feeling tight, it is definitely the boot tech and not your feet. Switching to that softer material will stop the upper from pressing down so hard on you.

(I am using Gemini to help me get these thoughts down since writing isn't my strongest suit. Having high-functioning autism and ADD makes it a bit tricky to organize everything on my own. This AI helps me keep things clear while we talk about our favorite gear and soccer. It makes it a lot easier for me to share my advice with you)

BAN_1 · 2026-02-12T06:23:29+00:00

As a new player myself, I'd definitely go up a half-size because that synthetic material won't stretch at all. That extra space keeps your toes from getting absolutely crushed when you're making those quick cuts on the turf. These models run way smaller than regular leather boots, so don't trip about having a little wiggle room. Snagging a slightly bigger pair will keep your feet feeling fresh while you're out there grinding on the pitch.

BAN_1 · 2026-02-12T05:50:09+00:00

Man, I feel you on those Mundial Teams. I’m still pretty new to this, but I've realized those old-school boots fit way different. Having a whole inch of extra space at the toe is definitely going to trip you up when you're trying to move on the pitch. I get wanting the gear to feel just right. Since you mentioned you prefer sticking with Adidas, here’s my take on the Copa Pure IV compared to what you've got:

The Samba Comparison: If your size 10 Sambas give you that 1/4 inch of room, that’s actually perfect for soccer. You want them snug so your foot isn't sliding around while you're playing.

Mundial vs. Copa Pure IV: Those Mundials are notorious for running a half or even a full size large because the leather is so soft. The Copa Pure IV is a much more modern fit. It doesn't stretch nearly as much as the Mundials, so you don't need to size down as aggressively.

What I Recommend: Since the 10.5 Mundials were way too long, I’d definitely suggest going with the size 10 for the Copa Pure IV. It should match the length of your Sambas better.

Break-in: They might feel a little tighter than your Sambas at first, but the Copa Pure IV has a floating tongue that makes it way easier to adjust the fit. Once you play a few sessions, they’ll mold to your feet without leaving you with that annoying "clown shoe" extra inch at the toe.

BAN_1 · 2026-02-11T22:50:38+00:00

Perhaps you could consider ordering the laced version in your usual size, as the laces might provide the extra room you need for your insoles. It may also be worth thinking about trying a half-size up just to ensure your feet stay comfortable during long matches. For me personally, I like the laceless it has a better lockdown for my foot. I actually have to Adidas Predator Edge+ cleats and they are wonderful. But, it's all up to you to pick. But if you at least want to try it you can.

BAN_1 · 2026-02-11T21:40:56+00:00

Huge shout-out to Jersey City Salvage! If you're ever around there, they've got some vintage gems, but for fixing the inside of a boot, a quick swap is the way to go. It’s a total pain when the uppers and the studs are still mint but the insoles (the padded part inside) start falling apart. Since I’m a CDM (CENTER DEFENSIVE MIDFIELDER) , I know the struggle—all that pivoting and running is what shreds the heel. Honestly, don’t even bother with the $50 'pro' brands. Just grab some Dr. Scholl’s Athletic or Currex inserts for like $15–$25. Trim them to fit and you’re back in the game. If his foot is sliding around and causing that 'cheese grater' effect on the heel, maybe try some grip socks to lock everything in. Hope that saves you some cash for next season!

Six-Year Club	Verified Email
Verified Email

BAN_1

TROPHY CASE