First touch away from pressure

Setup

1. Mark a 20 × 20 m square. A server with the balls stands on the middle of one side.
2. On the opposite side, put two 4 m gates, one near each corner.
3. A receiver starts in the middle; a defender starts 3 m behind them.

How it runs

1. The server passes into the receiver; the defender comes round one side to press as the pass is played.
2. The receiver checks over a shoulder, then takes the first touch away from the defender.
3. The receiver scores by dribbling through the gate on the far side from the pressure.
4. Rotate server, receiver and defender every 5 goes.

Coaching points

• Scan just before the pass is played and again as it travels.
• Open your body so you can see the ball and the defender together.
• First touch out of your feet, into space, with the foot furthest from the defender.

Common mistakes

• Only looking at the ball, so the defender arrives unseen.
• Stopping the ball dead under your body, then turning into pressure.
• A heavy touch that runs too far and gives the ball away.