Football/Soccer Session (Academy Sessions): First Touch: Away From Opponent

Skill Introduction (10 mins)

Set Up:

• Players: 10-12
• Players to set up as shown on the diagram. Half the players inside the area and the other half outside the area with a ball.
• Grid size: 25m x 20m

Explanation:

• Players on the inside will receive a ball from a player on the outside, take a first touch and then pass to someone else on the outside. 
• Swap roles after 2 minutes

Progression: 

• Player on the inside will pass to a player on the outside and then apply pressure (without trying to win the ball). The player on the outside must take his first touch away from pressure and then go inside the area. The players then swap roles.  

Coaching Points: 

• Can you take your first touch away from the opponent into space
• Can you position yourself where you can see the whole field before you receive the ball (Body shape)

Main Part - Skill Training (15 mins)

Set Up:

• Players: 10-12 (5v1 or 6v1)
• Grid Size: 2 grids 12m x 12m
• Swap defenders every 45 seconds - 1 minute

Explanation: 

• In the area shown in the diagram, 5 or 6 attackers play against 1 defender. 
• The attacking team scores by playing 5 passes. 
• Players must take TWO touches

Team task: To maintain possession for as long as possible

Coaching Points:

• Can you scan before you receive the ball
• Can you position yourself where you can see as much of the field as possible (open body shape)
• Can you take your first touch forward 

Player Cues: 

• Can you scan ahead to see where the opponents are to allow you to take your first touch away from pressure.
• Whenever possible, can you position yourself to see the whole field and play as quickly as possible. 
• As the ball moves around, can you reposition yourself at all times to see the line of the ball.

Step up:  

• Reduce grid size
• Create a 5v2 or a 4v2

• Increase grid size 
• Introduce passive defending