One of the hallmarks of a great player is the ability to read the game and know - before receiving the ball - where the next play needs to go. Whether in the Premiership, La Liga or the World Cup, players at the top level are capable of receiving the ball with a touch that goes into the right space to set up their next play. Here are three exercises to help you improve the ability of your players to make the proper first touch.
Drill 1:
Organization
2 players – 1 ball
12 yds x 12 yds space, 4 cones (4 yds between cones) creating four windows
Description of Exercise
Each player is limited to two touches
Cannot receive ball and pass ball through same window
Purpose of Exercise
Player’s first touch is to prepare for next touch through a different window
Drill 2:
Organization
2 squares, 20 yards between cones
Equal teams – one player at cones 2, 3 and 4, with remaining players at first cone
Description of Exercise
Players limited to 2 touches
Both squares start at the same time
Players pass ball to right, follow pass and stay at cone until ball returns
When all players get back to their original position and the ball gets back to the first cone,
the teams sit down – First team to sit down wins
Purpose of Exercise
Players practice their first touch
Players look to their target before receiving ball
Players pass ball to teammate’s front foot
Drill 3:
Organization
2 grids, 20 x 25 yds, 5-yd space between grids
8 v. 3 in each grid
Description of Exercise
Team in possession strictly limited to two touches
team keeps ball away from in grid A.
When team wins ball, they transfer ball to teammates in grid B and run over
to join them. Three players from team also go over to defend.
Purpose of Exercise
Improving first touch of players
Getting players to play under pressure
Know what to do with the ball before receiving it