First Touch And Passing Warm-Up Drill

PLAYERS:

TIME:

15 min.

FOCUS:

First Touch

AGE:

U8+

INTENSITY:

3/10

SETUP

Place three cones in a line with a distance of about 10 meters between each cone.
Position an additional cone at each end of the line, 1-2 meters apart from the adjacent cone.
Create two squares of 2×2 meters, each consisting of four cones, on either side of the middle cone, roughly 2 meters out.
Position one player at the middle cone and split the remaining players into two groups behind each end of the cone line.
Place a supply of balls next to each end group.
Adjust distances between cones based on the age and skill level of the players.

WHY USE THIS DRILL?

This First Touch And Passing Warm-Up Drill is an excellent way to start a training session. It helps players familiarize themselves with the ball through various first-touch techniques and involves a lot of passing. The drill incorporates a lot of movement, effectively warming up the players and preparing them for more intense activities. The two variations complement each other, with the first focusing on different first-touch methods at a slower pace and the second introducing more movement and tempo.

HOW IT WORKS

The ball always travels from one end of the line, through the middle player, and on to the other end, before the sequence restarts from the opposite side. In both variations, players follow their pass: the starting player moves into the middle, and the middle player joins the back of the line after passing. Encourage the use of both boxes and both feet — consider starting with the right foot only and switching to the left after a set time.

1. Variation

The starting player passes the ball to the player in the middle. The middle player takes a controlled first touch into one of the side boxes, turns, and passes the ball to the next player in line. The receiving player takes a first touch to navigate the ball through the two cones with 1-2 meters between them, and the drill repeats from the other side.

2. Variation

The starting player initiates a one-two passing combination with the player in the middle, moving through the two cones with 1-2 meters between them to receive the return pass. The middle player then enters the box on the same side as the starting player, receives the ball inside the box, executes a first touch turn, and passes to the next player. Emphasize changing the direction of play so both feet get used.

OTHER KEY POINTS

Insist on a purposeful first touch – the ball should end up in the box or through the cones, not stopped dead at the feet.
Encourage players to stay on their toes, maintaining a state of readiness to receive the ball.
Call out your teammate’s name when passing for better teamwork.
The drill should be seen as inspiration. So feel free to adapt the drill to suit your team’s specific needs or focus areas.