Mastering one-touch passing
Exercise Description:
Area: We set up two 12×12 yard boxes. We’re using 8 outfield players split into a possession team of 6 and a pressing team of 2.
Exercise #1 - The possession team must pass the ball one touch and try to string 15 passes together.
1. The blue team of 6 is one-touch and must string 15 passes together to score a point.
2. The red team of two press to win possession. If they gain the ball, they should clear it out of the area.
Exercise # 2 –
1. The blue team of 6 is one-touch and must pass to keep possession
2. The red team of two press and tries to win possession.
3. The blues make seven passes and play to a teammate in the other box, who changes boxes to receive. All the players follow and the blues keep possession
4. The receiving player is allowed two touches, to give his team time to change boxes
Coaching points: Body shape, vision, quality, and composure to complete the passes.
Intended outcome:
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To improve the player's speed of thought and speed of play.
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Work on the technical ability to play the one touch pass.
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Have fun
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Improve angles of support, vision, communication
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To give the team confidence for the later part of the session.
Variation:
If you have two groups, turn it into a competition.
Performance problems:
Speed of thought
Poor passing - to the wrong foot or not accurate
Angles and spacing
Be ready to focus - Make decisions
Keep scanning the area and visualize playing in a game.
Accept mistakes - Find solutions
Coach your teammates
Communicate
Applaud good play
Be ready to pass or receive the ball
Reactions
Be willing to move
Work at game speed
Quality of the pass and first touch
Pass with purpose
Body shape
Receive with the back-foot