How can I use the ball better in football?

I am too slow to give the ball to one of my team mates or do something useful with it whenever I receive the ball. My skills such as passing and my first touch are alright but whenever I receive the ball I don't usually know what I want to do with it meaning that I am too slow to do something useful with the ball. I am lucky that I am good at shielding the ball from opponents but I feel that my lack of good use of the ball is preventing me from being a much better player than I could be. Does anybody have any advice as to what I could do?