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LOGINTouch and go
After being coached the basic skills of receiving and controlling the ball, players should be in the habit of using a positive first touch to move the ball into space. This creates more time for them to look up and see if a team mate is available before they make their next decision. Use this session to improve your players’ first touch and spatial awareness.
What this session is about
Improving the first touch and setting the ball up for a pass, shot or cross. Creating more possession time for players to scan the field.
What to think about
When players receive the ball, they should.- Move into line with the ball.
- Use the inside of the back foot if the ball travels across the body.
- Cushion the ball on impact.
- Contact the ball’s horizontal mid-line or above.
Set-up
Use six players with one ball. Set up two triangles 10 yards apart. Each side of the triangle should be 2 yards to 3 yards long, with the bases of the triangles facing each other.| Warm up | Session | Development | Game Situation | Warm Down |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-15 minutes | 10 minutes | 10 minutes | 15 minutes | 10-15 minutes |
What you get your players to do
Split players into two groups, lining up at the point of each triangle and facing each other.The drill begins with the first player in either group passing to the first player in the other group. The receiving player steps into the triangle to collect the ball. From within the triangle, this player uses their first touch to cushion the ball so it passes through the base of the triangle. They then use their second touch to pass the ball back before following the pass to join the back of other group’s line.
The session continues with the receiving player repeating the technique.
Get players to use the inside and outside of alternate feet to improve overall control.
The receiving player has one touch to control through the triangle before returning the pass.
Development
Mark a halfway point between the triangles. This time the players knock the ball forward again but must pass before reaching the halfway line.The passing player must follow their pass and close down the receiver as a passive defender. The receiving player must look up and play into space to avoid the defender.
Related Files
Core-102-touch-and-go.pdfPDF, 253 KB
The passing player follows their pass. The receiving player must quickly decide where the space is and have a good first touch.
Game situation
Play a 4v4 match plus two goalkeepers and two goals.Limit the touches players can have depending on their age and skill level. To be successful in possession, players have to look up to find space and have a good first touch.
If a player has more touches than allowed, possession passes to the other team.
Players have a limited number of touches and must have a good first touch to find space.
What to call out
- “On your toes, stay balanced and be ready to receive”
- “Make that first touch positive”
- “Move into the space”
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