
Aim: To improve control and 1st touch Suitable for: U8âs and upwards Equipment: Marked area, 2 balls for 4 players Organisation: 3 players with 2 balls serve one working player. One server starts by passing the ball to working player who must control and pass to the server without a ball. Working player then commands ball from the other server with a ball. Continuous practice for 1 minute. Progressions: Increase tempo Limit touches to 1 or 2, more emphasis on the quality on the 1st touch to get ball under control Serving players can serve the ball in the air for control with knee, head or chest. Vary distance between players
Quality of 1st touch Body shape / movement Player alert and on their toes Player to react to the flight of the ball
This practice has no coaching points
This practice has no progressions
in more ways than one
Four Halloween-themed games sneak a full warm-up, finishing, rondo and small-sided game into one junior football session this week.
Deliberate heading is now out of U11 grassroots matches. Here is how to coach chest, thigh and foot control so your players still win the ball in the air.
Long-range goals doubled at the 2026 World Cup as teams sat deep. Here is how to coach when to shoot from distance, the technique, and the follow-up.