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first touch to Dribble.

first touch to Dribble

Phase 1 1 ball to every 3 players. Players must dribble through two gates before turning out and passing the ball to another player on the outside. Phase 2

Ball M

U9-U10 Up the Steps Foundation 60 mins 8–14 players Progressive load Passing & receiving
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Practice timer

60:00

Pitch layout
Players Ball Pass / movement Cones / markers

How to use this session

  1. Set the learning intention before players arrive.
  2. Copy the pitch picture as closely as numbers allow.
  3. Protect ball-rolling time; intervene in natural stoppages.
  4. Use STEP live if challenge or success tips too far.

Session flow

Arrival · 8 mins

Warm-up — first touch to Dribble.

8:00

Players arrive into a ball-rolling activity linked to the session theme.

Organisation: Small grids / mini pitches ready before players arrive.

Coaching points
  • Smile, connect, set the learning intention early.
  • High ball rolling from the first minute.
Progressions
  • Add directional constraints.
Regressions
  • Reduce pressure / enlarge space.
Technical · 15 mins

first touch to Dribble.

15:00

Phase 1 1 ball to every 3 players. Players must dribble through two gates before turning out and passing the ball to another player on the outside. Phase 2

Organisation: Balls: 25; Cones: Y; Other: Length of tape.

Coaching points
  • Look For!
  • Player A dribbles through two gates and passes the ball to B.
  • Player A then can make one of two runs (straight at the receiver or too one side. Depending on the run of A, B must make a decision on his first touch.
  • Phase 3
  • Once player D receives the ball if he has a player on either side he can choose to pass or dribble depending on the defending run of player C.
Progressions
  • Increase pressure / reduce space / add direction.
Regressions
  • Remove opposition or enlarge the area to restore success.
Skill · 15 mins

Drill 2 — develop first touch to Dribble.

15:00

Add light opposition or a constraint so players must solve first touch to dribble. under pressure. Rotate roles often.

Organisation: SSG pitch with clear scoring / constraints linked to the theme.

Coaching points
  • Reward the theme with the scoring system.
  • Protect transition moments both ways.
  • Use guided discovery questions in natural stoppages.
Progressions
  • Shrink space / add a live defender.
Regressions
  • Unopposed patterns first.
Game · 17 mins

Drill 3 — game for first touch to Dribble.

17:00

Small-sided or conditioned game that scores/rewards first touch to dribble.. Minimal stoppages.

Organisation: Multiple mini-pitches if needed so everyone plays.

Coaching points
  • Find moments for first touch to dribble..
  • Help a teammate who is stuck.
  • Celebrate effort, not only goals.
Progressions
  • Remove the condition when the theme is secure.
Regressions
  • Neutral helper / overload.
Plenary · 5 mins

Review & cool down

5:00

Players share one learning from the session against the intention.

Organisation: Circle with the ball.

Coaching points
  • Listen to teammates.
  • Name one success.

Related drills

Movement to cover

Notes: Each time defender wins ball or the ball passes halfway switch to opposite end with the other team starting with possession Yellow team: Objective is for inside player to receive the ball and dribble passed half way line or pass to opposite end, can bounce ball back to starting player as many times as needed. Coaching Point: Can we get tight – arm out touching the player at all times Always be behind the player so that you can see both players and the ball Blue team: Stop the yellow player reaching half way. HOW? - Get tight to the player and don’t allow a turn - Make sure you can see both players and the ball at all times Defensive Principals 1.3 (1v2) 2nd (Covering) player. Can always see player and ball Expect the first player to get beat and mark the through ball Which way is 1st defender trying to force the defender? Is my position correct? If 1st defender gets beat then press Movement to cover 1st Defensive player. Press the ball – prevent the turn If defender turns and breaks out then 2nd defender presses and I become covering player

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Drill 173

Game: 7v7 (half vs Half) ATT – To Score you must pass the ball across the centre line and score within 2 touches! Progression 1: ATT now dribble through across center line before passing to score Coaching notes: - Body shape when receiving ball - Movement off the ball - Can we use a switch - Defensive team can we get in line and cover? 30 min.

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Pass/Move through gates - first touch/control

Passing Gates & Movement Relays (20 mins) Setup: Cones create 4–6 small “gates” (1m wide) in a grid (15x15m). Players work in pairs, each pair with a ball. How it works: Pass the ball through a gate, then immediately both players sprint to another gate (can’t go to the same gate twice in a row). Player receiving must time their movement to be in position for the next pass. Challenge: Receiver must “check off” as the ball arrives, pass first time, and move again. Coaching Points: Encourage quick scanning for the next gate after passing. Stress moving as soon as the pass is played—run, not walk – foot doesn’t touch floor after passing. Quick body adjustment—be on your toes, always ready to move. Communication: call for the ball, shout the next gate. Progressions: P1 – Pass must be received on a turn and not straight back out of the front. P2 – first touch must take them out of the shape and into the direction they’re going Pass/Move through gates - first touch/control

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Drill 41

Player In Pairs: 1 cone to stand behind at each end and 3 cones in the middle - Pass the ball down one side and then receive at other end and pass round. Can we receive the ball and with our first touch knock it to the right side to pass back (or left if left footed) - Try and keep the ball moving and make the simple pass in 2 touches. Player In Pairs: Player 1 ball in hand, rolls ball to the left in the middle then right for 1 minute then switch. Then throw the ball each way for a volley back. The both players on feet passing through each 3rd

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