Dimitar Berbatov talks through how he trains his famous first touch using a wall

All you need to improve your first touch is a ball and a wall; just ask Dimitar Berbatov.

The former Manchester United, Spurs and Fulham striker, who scored 281 goals during a successful 20-year career at club level, was renowned for his ability to pluck the ball from any height.

Some even suggest Berbatov trumps the likes of Dennis Bergkamp, Riyad Mahrez and Paul Scholes when it comes to having the best first touch in Premier League history. So how did he perfect his craft?

Well, the 42-year-old has demonstrated how to refine your first touch with a helpful training drill.

"Alright people. Another summer and another ball and a wall challenge," he says in the video posted to his Instagram account. "Go out there, find yourself as ball, find yourself a wall and you're ready to go.

"As you can see, I start simple, just knocking the ball left and right on the grass. After that, when I feel confident enough, I go and do a bit more challenging stuff."

Berbatov goes on: "From time to time, I'm hitting the ball with more power, so the ball can come back at me with different speed like it's in the game.

"I'm improving my balance, my coordination, my reaction time, my stamina; pretty much everything that you need in the game. Don't underestimate this exercise. This is one of the most effective exercises you can do to train your touch.

"The genius thing about this exercise is the simplicity of it. Why? Because football is a simple game for smart people.

"When you have good touches from the ball or a good first touch, your passing will be better, your decision making will be better. You're going to read the game better. You're not going to overcomplicate the game."

The Bulgarian has been praised by many for posting the tutorial to a wider audience.

One fan commented: "A great video for kids to watch from Dimitar Berbatov. It’s true that houses only have walls to play football against. No other reason," while another said: "Bro did NOT fail a single touch."

A third wrote: "It’s exercises like this that helps to make a player stand out from the others on the pitch. Young players take note."

A fourth added: "Absolutely no doubt a ball and walk has been instrumental in the vast majority of players, both past and present."

Image credit: Instagram/berbo9

Even former teammate Gary Neville got involved in the comments, saying: "Beautiful post this for any young footballer!"

Another ex-United player that would often use this simple, but effective technique was Eric Cantona, who would regularly practice his technical skills by kicking a ball at a wall.

In fact, his decision to use The Cliff training ground wall would catch on like wildfire, with many youth team players inspired by the Frenchman's actions.

"He would use his left foot, right foot, control it with the outside of his foot, drag it to his right, play it with his left," former United defender Phil Neville said on the High Performance Podcast.

“It was just simple drills that made him so good on a Saturday. Somebody would cross a ball into the box and he would hit volley after volley, but it was just simple."

Topics: Dimitar Berbatov, Manchester United, Premier League, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham, Bayer Leverkusen

Jack Kenmare

Senior Journalist at SPORTbible with a passion for long-form journalism. Almost 10 years’ experience across online and print.

@jackkenmare_