Football/Soccer Session (Beginner): Stitch Up - test your first touch

Screen 1 (10 mins)

Each pairing plays against each other. eg yellow 1 v yellow 2; Red 1 v red 2 etc. Each player starts with 5 lives and the first of each pair to run out of lives is the loser. Play must be 2 or 3 touch. Only the pass can go out of the marked off cone area (1m x 1m). First touch is crucial. If first touch falls out of your square then you lose a life. If your pass to your opponent does not enter the opposite square then you also lose a life. The squad love this game as it practices their technique and has a competitive edge. They want to win. They also enjoy fizzing in a fast ball that is challenging for their partner to control.

The main focus of this practice is to work on the quality of their first touch but it also gives the players a chance to really practice a long powerful pass.

Tips: Be ready to receive; be on toes; open body; adjust body shape accordingly. First touch away from body but still under control. Maybe drop back to cushion the control?

Possible progressions:
1) Smaller/bigger 'control square'
2) Shorted/longer passing distance
3) Control with one foot and pass with other.
4) First time ONLY - tough
5) Chipped passes