LOGIN

Players should be in the habit of using their first touch as a means of setting up the next pass (or shot or cross or dribble) and not just as a way of getting the ball under control.

What this session is about

Setting the ball up for a pass with first, receiving touch.
Creating more possession time.
Accurate passing.

What to think about

Receiving

Move into line with the ball.
The ball travels across the body to the back foot.
Contact the ball’s horizontal mid-line or above.
Cushion ball on impact to guide it in the right direction.

Passing

Correct pace/direction so team mate can control easily.

Set-up

A 10 by 10 yard playing area, with four 1 yard “gates” set up at each corner, at right angles to each other.
1 ball between 4 players.

Warm up	Session	Development	Game Situation	Warm Down
10 minutes	15 minutes	15 minutes	15 minutes	5 minutes

What you get your players to do

The players pass the ball clockwise around the square to each other. To begin with, each player controls the ball with their right foot, directing the ball through their “gate” as they do so and following it, before making their pass.

Reverse the direction of the drill so players now have to control the ball with the left foot.

Be a more effective, more successful youth soccer coach

Win more games, without sacrificing the crucial element of fun
Develop every player, regardless of vast differences in ability
Run a respected, professional programme - even with a full-time job and limited time

Subscribe for full access

Subscribe Now

 Or register and unlock 2 free articles,
receive our weekly newsletter, and
get a FREE coaching e-book.

Register

Or if you are already a subscriber login for full access.

Subscriber Testimonials

Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club

"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"

Paul Butler, Florida, USA

"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."

Rick Shields, Springboro, USA

"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."

Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada

"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."

Smart Sessions Practice Plans

Newsletter Sign Up

Join over 75k coaches that are saving time searching for fresh coaching ideas with our free email newsletter: ✔ New drills ✔ New games ✔ New warm-ups. Delivered direct to your email inbox

A changing picture

Players have to adapt to different situations in-game. This quick-paced activity will give them options to consider.

Small-sided game: Receive under pressure

Three-part session to teach players to deal with collecting passes while a defender closes in.

Practice 2: Receive under pressure

Three-part session helping players to deal with collecting passes while a defender closes in.

Practice 1: Receive under pressure

Three-part session helping players to deal with collecting passes while a defender closes in.

Coaches Testimonials

Gerald Kearney, Downtown Las Vegas Soccer Club

"I have been coaching competitive soccer for over 20 years in Las Vegas. I feel like you are my personal club director. My players and myself have learned a lot from your sessions. The exercises from Soccer Coach Weekly are easy to understand and implement. I never run out of ideas and there is always an exercise for whatever problem we need to fix. Thank you!"

Paul Butler, Florida, USA

"First and foremost, Soccer Coach Weekly is truly unique and exceptional for its clarity and for explaining the "why?", in addition to the "how?". Soccer Coach Weekly is also professionally managed - any issues, which are infrequent, are resolved in an expedient and courteous manner. I place Soccer Coach Weekly at the top of my recommendation list for any new or seasoned coach of the beautiful game."

Rick Shields, Springboro, USA

"I coach both young club players as well as players at the High School level and both genders. The talent range is wide at times, however with the use of Soccer Coach Weekly I am able to apply the information to all talent levels and player ages and make the session fun and challenging for all players. It has helped spark me at times when I am at a loss for what to do at the next training session or offers a different approach to a current problem."

Tony Green, Pierrefonds Titans, Quebec, Canada

"My team and myself are truly enjoying the Soccer Coach Weekly downloads. Pierrefonds Titans are a great group of U16 Females who compete in the Lac St-Louis Association of Montreal, Quebec, Canada."

Discover the simple way to become a more effective, more successful soccer coach

In a recent survey 89% of subscribers said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more confident, 91% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them a more effective coach and 93% said Soccer Coach Weekly makes them more inspired.

SUBSCRIBE

*includes 3 coaching manuals

Get Weekly Inspiration

All the latest techniques and approaches

Soccer Coach Weekly offers proven and easy to use soccer drills, coaching sessions, practice plans, small-sided games, warm-ups, training tips and advice.

We've been at the cutting edge of soccer coaching since we launched in 2007, creating resources for the grassroots youth coach, following best practice from around the world and insights from the professional game.