Touch Away

Players: 3+ | Difficulty: 1 |

Description: Passing drill to work on turning with the first touch.

Application: Properly weighted first touch away from pressure... after scanning the pitch.

Instructions

1. Player A passes the ball to Player B in between the two orange cones (Then follow their pass for rotation).

2. Player B steps forward, and takes a touch out to the side Player A instructs ("Turn Left!").

3. Player B's touch should aim to sit right in the middle of the purple cone grid on that side.

4. Player B will then play a pass to Player C, who will be opening up to that side.

5. Player C will take a touch through the red gate, and then play a pass to Player A who is now in the middle orange cones.

Rules

• Middle Player aims their touch for the purple grid.

• Outside Players aim their touch through the red gates.

To Increase Difficulty:

• Instead of Player A instructing the side for Player B to turn to, have PLAYER C instruct them (the BEHIND player). Player C will RAISE A HAND for the side Player B should turn toward (If C raises their right hand, B should turn to that side). This variation increases scanning ability, as Player B must check their shoulder before receiving the pass to know which side to turn to.
  

Setup

• Middle Gate: 2 Cones 1yd apart.

• Purple Grid: 4 Cones spaced 2x2yrd, 2-3yds away from the middle gate.

• Outside Gates: 4 Cones (2 for each) - 1yd long, 5-10yds away from the Middle Gate.

• Player A starts with the ball.

Rotation

• A - B - C

Coaching Points

• Can make 2 or 3 touch.

• Can be simple or deceptive turns.

• Checking shoulder after passing and as they are about to receive a pass. (Or as age or skill level allows)

• Focusing on their pass quality.

• Having the outside player open up to receive the pass.