First Touch to Beat the Defender
This drill focuses on improving a winger's first touch and ability to beat a defender in a game-like scenario. Players will practice receiving the ball under pressure and making quick decisions to create space.
Objective
To enhance players' first touch and decision-making skills when facing a defender.
Setup
Set up a rectangular area approximately 20x15 yards with cones marking the corners. Position one defender at one end of the area and a player with the ball at the opposite end. You will need 2-4 players for this drill.
Drill Steps
- 1
The player with the ball starts at one end of the marked area and passes the ball towards the defender.
- 2
As the ball approaches, the defender closes in to apply pressure, while the player focuses on receiving the ball with their first touch.
- 3
The player must use their first touch to control the ball and create space to either dribble past the defender or pass to a teammate.
- 4
If the player beats the defender, they can then dribble to the opposite end of the area to score by passing through cones set up as a goal.
- 5
Rotate roles after a set number of attempts, allowing players to experience both attacking and defending positions.
Coaching Points
- Encourage a soft touch to control the ball effectively.
- Focus on body positioning to shield the ball from the defender.
- Remind players to keep their heads up to assess options quickly.
- Emphasize the importance of quick footwork to create space.
- Stress the need for decisive action after the first touch.
Variations
To increase difficulty, reduce the space between the player and defender. Alternatively, add a second defender to increase pressure and challenge the player further.
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