passing, first_touch · U10+
Set up five cones in a cross shape: one in the middle, four around it 5–10 meters away. One player per cone. The ball starts from an outer cone to the middle. The middle player takes a directional first touch and passes with it to a new outer cone—not back to the cone the ball came from. Then the passer and the middle player switch roles: the passer runs into the middle, and the middle player takes the now-vacant outer position. So, in each round, the player in the middle is different. Adjust the distances according to players’ age and skill level.
The middle player looks over their shoulder before the ball arrives and knows the passing target before the first touch. The first touch moves away from the direction of the incoming pass and leaves the ball in a playable position. First-touch length according to the space: far enough to be able to pass, close enough to keep the ball under control. Support foot behind the ball on the pass, contact with the inside of the foot on the middle of the ball. Pass power so that the receiver can control it with one touch.
Where do you look before the ball arrives? Where do you direct your first touch, and why not toward where the ball came from? How does the length of your first touch fit this distance? How do you recognize which of the two outside players is free?
Cross-pass with a positional switch is a football drill on TacticsBoard. Category: passing, first_touch. Age group: U10+. Browse more football drills or create your own for free.