Yes, I would start helping him with that now, but keep it very simple.
If he always stops the ball dead, he gives the defender time to arrive. Show him that the first touch can take the ball somewhere useful: away from the defender, into space, or towards the goal.
A 1v1 or 2v1 receiving game is enough. Serve the ball from different angles and ask, “Can your first touch help your next action?”
Do not chase perfect technique. Some touches will run too far. That is part of learning the distance.
At U7, “first touch to help yourself” is a usable idea. I would avoid a long explanation about body shape and surfaces unless the individual child is ready for it.
