Improving First Touch Presented by: Mike Hernandez Head Coach Women’s Soccer A.C. Davis High School Yakima, WA

Training Overview Basic Introduction of the Training Basic Warm up with ball (ball included) Using First touch technique – Exercises can include: Pass and follow exercises Pass and pressure exercises All warm up preparation should include use of the following: – Use of both feet, and multiple surfaces for receiving the ball. Basic progressions following the warm up would include: – No Pressure: Focus on technique with no pressure exercises. – Light Pressure: Next progression would be light pressure with the introduction of defenders. – Full Pressure: with a focus on gathering information and decision making and re-creating game-like situations.

Improve First Touch Techniques Juggling – Why is it important? – Desired Results – About Century Club – Reward System

No Pressure - Exercise Examples Four Man Drill Players (4) Five yards between each player Objective: Improving first touch, vision and directional passing

No Pressure - Exercise Examples 2 Man Touch and Go Drill Players : (2) Five-Ten yards between each player and markers Objective: Improving first touch, receiving and passing on the move, and footwork for changing direction.

Light Pressure - Exercise Examples Four vs. Two split the defense Objective: 1. Improve ability to use first touch to create space to pass the ball. 2. Improve ability to use first touch to create space to penetrate off the dribble. Players: (6) Field Size: 10x10

Light Pressure - Exercise Examples 3 Team – Top down with pressure Objective: 1. Lose your defensive player. 2. Use your first touch to control ball while under defensive pressure. 3. Use first touch to control ball under pressure while creating space to pass the ball. Players: Field Size: 20x20

Full Pressure - Exercise Examples Small Sided Games Objective: Creating game like circumstances to advance first touch development Players: (8) Keepers are optional. Field Size: 20x30

Full Pressure - Exercise Examples 8 vs. 8 Scrimmage Objective: Creating game like circumstances to advance first touch development. Scrimmage progressions are 3 touch and 2 touch mandatory with 1 touch finishing. Players (16) plus keepers Field Size: ¾ Field

Thank you! If you have questions or would like to discuss these techniques further contact